Marian J. Gragert

Marian J. Gragert, 80, of Lime Springs, Iowa passed away on March 18, 2017 at Evans Memorial Home in Cresco, IA.

Marian Joan McKenzie was born February 24, 1937 to Lloyd and Lena (Berning) McKenzie in Spring Valley, Minnesota. She graduated from Spring Valley High School. She married Gerald Gragert on November 26, 1955 at Spring Valley Methodist Church. They had six children together. Marian spent most of her life helping her husband on the farm. She worked for a short time at Patty Elwood Center. She loved to cook and bake pies and rosettes for family and friends to enjoy when they came over to visit. Marian enjoyed dancing to polka music, playing cards, roller skating, and playing piano. She was very social and enjoyed having coffee with her many friends. Marian will be remembered for her role as a fantastic mother and great farmer’s wife. She loved life and made it her goal to never see anyone sad. She always wanted everyone to be happy.

She is survived by her six children: Gordon (Darla) Gragert of Chester, IA, Joan Gragert of Lime Springs, IA, Maxine (Al) Westphal of Chester, IA, Marilyn (Brian Monsen) Schwab of Forest City, IA, Damon (Sherry) Gragert of Lime Springs, IA, and Betty (Rick) Reicks of Cresco, IA; 10 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren; her brother Wendell (Georgie) of Raleigh, NC, a sister Lillian (Dave) Brice of Appleton, WI, and a sister-in-law Bonnie (Carl) Kapka of Raleigh, NC.

Marian was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Gerald on February 3, 1994, and a son-in-law Joseph Schwab.

Funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Wednesday March 22, 2017 at Lime Springs United Methodist Church in Lime Springs, IA with Pastor Raelonna Patrick officiating. Burial will be in Pleasant Hill Cemetery in Lime Springs, IA.  Visitation will be held from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. Tuesday March 21, at Hindt-Hudek Funeral Home in Cresco. Visitation will continue an hour prior to the time of service Wednesday at the church.

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