Mary Ann Grace

Mary Ann Grace, 88, of Jefferson, passed peacefully at home surrounded by family on Saturday, January 27, 2018.

A Vigil for the deceased was held at 8 p.m. Tuesday, January 30 at St. Joseph’s Parish Center in Jefferson, Iowa with Fr. Jim Burch presiding. Mass of the Resurrection was held at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, January 31 at St. Joseph Catholic Church. Fr. Jim Bruch of St. Malachys Church in Madrid, Iowa was the celebrant. Readers were Lisa Grace and Chuck Dunlop. Presentation of gifts/honorary bearers were Daniel Grace, Cooper Skinner, KeAnna Skinner, Sheana Story, Sarah Walker and David Moore. Casket bearers were Terry Skinner, Carson Skinner. Tyler Grace, Chuck Dunlop, Cole Grace and Karim Hadi.  “Ave Maria” was played by violinist, Cole Grace. Also played by St. Joseph’s Guitar Group was “Here I Am, Lord,” “How Great Thou Art,” “On Eagle’s Wings” and “Amazing Grace.” Interment was at St. Joseph’s Cemetery in Jefferson.

Mary Ann dearly loved her husband, Jim, of 65 years and was immensely proud of her six loving children: Nancy, Sharon, Carol, Jim (Danny), Colleen and Connie. She was incredibly devoted to her Catholic faith and her Savior Jesus Christ. Many will remember Mary Ann as the light in a room full of people, a genuinely caring and loving soul who never had a bad word to say about anyone. She had an infectious laugh and a sweet smile and welcoming arms that could hug you across the miles. Mary Ann was a beautiful, classy soul and most memorable was her commitment to her family, friends and community. She volunteered as often as possible and made her career in raising a fantastic family in which she instilled beautiful traits of care, love and respect of all others. She often was the family medical advisor and was spot on with all her diagnoses and could put a medical doctor to the test which gained her a big respect by all of her recent medical providers. Mary Ann radiated kindness and encouraged all to serve God and others. Kindness matters, serving others creates meaning and faith is important in this changing world.

Mary Ann graduated from Watertown, S.D. High School in 1948. She met her husband, Jim, at a favorite watering hole and it was love at first sight. They married in 1952 in Ft. Bragg, N.C. and honeymooned in Washington, DC. After retiring from running the household, Mary Ann and Jim enjoyed exploring many different vacation spots with family.  They had so many happy memories of enjoying life to the fullest. Together, they brought into the world six children full of personality: Nancy Walker, Sharon (Charles) Dunlop, Carol (David Moore) Grace, Jim (Lisa) Grace, Colleen Grace, and Connie (Terry) Skinner. Mary Ann was extremely proud of and loved her eleven grandchildren: Tyler (Kara), Michael (Cassie), Melissa (Mike), Sheana, Sarah, Karim, Cole, Daniel, Carson, KeAnna and Cooper; and eight great-grandchildren: Kya, Jude, Paige, Josie, Kylie, Autumn, Lilly and Walker.

Mary Ann had a loving childhood and was blessed to share her life with six brothers and sisters. Grateful for having shared her life are two siblings, Pat Wehrkamp and Don (Janice) Fischer all of Sioux Falls, S.D. and three sisters-in-law: Bev Fischer of Sioux Falls, Terry Fischer, Mary (Cecil) Provence of Minnesota; many nieces and nephews; and a host of other relatives and friends.    

Mary Ann was preceded  in death by her parents, Lambert and Adelaide Fischer; three brothers: John Fischer, Duke Fischer and Bert Fischer; sister, Marcie Nester; brothers-in-law: Mel Nester, Dale Wehrkamp, Francis Grace, George Grace, Gene Grace, Jack Grace and Jerry Grace; sisters-in-law: Evie Grace, Kaye Grace, Margie Grace and Mary (Larken) Grace; three nieces: Sue Fischer, Jan Wehrkamp Brankin and Kathy Funk; nephew, George (Jeff) Grace; three grandsons: Todd, Michael and Matthew; and great-grandson, Brently.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Mary Ann’s name to the causes near to her heart: Greater Iowa Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (Team Tigers) and The Epilepsy Foundation of Iowa.

Slininger-Schroeder Funeral Home assisted the family.