Mary Woestman

Mary Margaret Woestman was born on October 10, 1934, to Frank and Glenrose (Squier) Alexander in Grand Island, Nebraska, and died from complications of a stroke on August 10, 2010 in Johnston, Iowa, at the age of 75.

Mary graduated from St. Mary’s High School, Grand Island, Nebraska, in 1952. Following business college, she worked both as a legal and a medical secretary. On August 27, 1955, she was united in marriage to James R. Woestman, also of Grand Island, Nebraska.

Mary suffered from multiple sclerosis (MS) for more than 30 years and incurred heart problems in 1992 which limited her physical activities.

Mary’s faith and life experiences sustained her for many years and especially through her medical challenges.

Mary was eternally positive and happy. She was an avid reader, loved jigsaw puzzles, Sudoku, listening to music, and playing cards (woe to the player on her left). She was an excellent cook and seamstress. MS and heart problems slowed her down in her later years but didn’t stop her from enjoying life with her children and grandchildren. To celebrate her 70th birthday, she was exhilarated by a tandem skydive with her grandson, Tony. Prior to her medical issues, Mary volunteered for many activities and responsibilities at St. Augustin Catholic Church in Des Moines, Iowa.

Mary’s family would like to recognize Dr. Jose Angel and the many medical personnel who cared for Mary over the past two decades.

Mary is survived by her husband of 54 years, James, eleven children, and twenty-two grandchildren: Lawrence James (Camille), John Leon (Nancy) and sons Joseph (Jenna), Anthony, James (Meagan), Kevin, and Eric; Margaret Sue (Mike) Elliott and children Heather, Daniel, and Bradley; Nancy Marie (Matt) Lahart and sons Michael and Patrick; Lois Ann Woestman and daughter Stella; Deborah Jean Bergh and daughters Emelie, Natalie, and Julia; Thomas Michael (Robin) and children Sage and Salah; Karen Elizabeth (E.J.) Bender and dogs; Anita Kay (Randle) Norian and daughter Athena; Marilyn Rose (Emil) Kashouh and daughters Melissa, Keziah, and Aaliyah; and Kenneth Mark (Deanine) and children Alexandria and Charles. Also surviving is a sister, Ruth Ann (Jack) Rall.

Visitation will be held Thursday, August 12, 2010, 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Hamilton’s Funeral Home, 605 Lyon St., Des Moines, Iowa.

Mary’s Memorial Mass will be Friday, August 13, 2010 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Augustin Catholic Church, 42nd and Grand Ave, Des Moines, Iowa.

Her cremated remains will be buried at Sams Cemetery, Valeria, Jasper County, Iowa. This cemetery, 1.7 miles NE of Valeria, Iowa, is near her acreage where she planned to build a house to enjoy the birds, sounds, and fresh smells of country living.

Memorials may be directed to St. Augustin Church or to Des Moines-Northwest Senior Center, 5110 Franklin Ave, Des Moines, Iowa.

www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com

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