Mary Fraaken
January 13, 2011
Mary Fraaken, 55, died Thursday, January 13, 2011, at Mercy Hospice in Johnston after a hard fought, courageous battle at home from lung cancer. She was born October 12, 1955, in Charles City, Iowa, to Charles and Madonna (McCarville) Gerdes.
She worked for Colter & Peterson Manufacturing for almost 30 years. She enjoyed attending the Iowa State Fair and trying new foods, watching movies at home, fishing, and spending time with her family.
Mary is survived by her husband of 26 years, Ray Fraaken who fought with her and nurtured her through this battle; children, Todd (Lora) Fraaken, Shelly (Jamie) Grimm, Christie (Will) Lynch, and Craig (Jenny) Fraaken; grandchildren, Lauryn, Tyler, Jordan, Jared, Kira, Jaden, Xander, Tristan, Kenzie and Kayden; mother, Donna Gerdes; brothers, Kevin Gerdes, Mark (Nancy) Gerdes, and Tim Gerdes; sister, Kathy Brown, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and beloved friends. She was preceded in death by her father, Chuck Gerdes and mother-in-law, Jean Fraaken.
Funeral services will be held 2 p.m., Tuesday, January 18, 2011, at Hamilton’s near Highland Memory Gardens, 121 NW 60th Ave., with burial to follow at Highland Memory Gardens Cemetery. Family will visit with friends from 5 to 8 p.m., Monday at the funeral home.
Memorial contributions may be made to the family in loving memory of Mary.
Online condolences may be made to:
www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com
David and Jeab
01/18/2011
Dear Uncle Mark,
We are saddened to hear of you sisters passing. We hope you can find peace in this hard time.
We also hope that the new family responsibility this gives you is not much of a burden.
Take care of yourself and see you soon.
Love,
David and Jeab
Janet Kolmer
01/16/2011
Mark and Gerdes Family
Wish Saint Louis wasn't so far away so we could be there with you. You are constantly in our thoughts and prayers!! Donna, my heart goes out to you. God's Love is the only thing that can get us through, the only thing that matters, and the only thing that lasts forever. We hope many happy memories of Mary will comfort all of you in this difficult time.
Pat Lantz
01/16/2011
Dear Ray and family, I am so sorry for your loss, and keeping you in my thoughts and prayers.
diane gerdes
01/15/2011
my sincere sympathy to marys family.ray,christi ,craig.she was a wonderful lady.ray you did a wonderful job taking care of her,and no onewill ever forget what you did for her ,your an amazing man ray .BLESS YOU
Jason Green
01/15/2011
My thoughts and Prayers are with you and your family! May she shine down on you forever from heaven.
Tom and Georgia McClure
01/15/2011
We grieve with you, but are rejoicing that Mary is whole, at peace, with many reunions now. Heaven sang for her when Our Shepherd called her home. Please know we pray for your sadness, pray for strength in the days ahead. May God bless you all, and bless Ray for his tender care and amazing strength.
kim
01/15/2011
iam so sorry for your lose uncle ray aunt mary will allways be in my heart and you guys will allways be in my prayers love and miss you aunt mary
Carol Couto
01/15/2011
Kevin
We are so sorry for the loss of your sister Mary, May you all find peace that she is no longer suffering & is with her Jesus.
cheryl marr
01/14/2011
I only knew Mary buy phone I was a new comer at work, she helpedC me get to know alot, we took the time to know about each others life even though we never meet each other face to face, which I am sadden by, but even though I only knew her in this way it was a great pleasure. My sympathy goes out to you and your family as I know what a lose I feel I can't imagine what a lose you feel.
Cheryl Marr
Dianna Wiegert
01/14/2011
Craig and family, We were so saddened to learn of your mother's passing. There are no words to lessen the loss you are feeling. Please share your memories...your mother may be gone, but she'll never be forgotten. You and your family will be in our thoughts and prayers for the days, weeks, and months to come. Tim & Dianna Wiegert
Scott And Holly Little
01/14/2011
We are so sorry for your loss