Obituaries : Mary Jane Buhr

Mary Jane Buhr, 77, passed away Wednesday, February 28, 2024, at St. Luke's Hospital, Cedar Rapids, following an extended illness. Funeral services will be 10:30 a.m., Monday, March 4, 2024, at St. Mark Lutheran Church, Garrison, with Pastor Adam Baumann officiating. Friends may visit with the family from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m., Sunday, March 3, at Van Steenhuyse-Teahen Funeral Home, Vinton, and one hour prior to service at the church on Monday. Burial will be in the Garrison Cemetery.

Mary was born January 18, 1947, in Vinton, the daughter of Donald and Hazel (Rose) Whitson. She was a graduate of Washington High School, Vinton. On February 12, 1966, she married the love of her life, John Buhr, at St. Mark Lutheran Church, Garrison. The two farmed in the rural Garrison area until her death. John and Mary lived, laughed, and loved together on their family farm. Out of the union, three daughters were born: Susie, Stacie, and Stephanie.

Mary loved her family and was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother. She was a high-spirited and fun-loving person. She was always quick to make a joke and loved to make those around her laugh as well. She had a sharp wit and enjoyed silly teasing and good times. Mary also enjoyed writing, especially poems in a birthday card. Those that were lucky enough to get one always got a good chuckle when they read it.

Mary's grandsons were her pride and joy. The time that each of them got to spend with her was precious not only to them, but to her as well. They filled her heart with love right to the brim and she was so proud of all of them.

She enjoyed spending time with close family as well as the extended family. She hosted Thanksgiving every year and was always pleased with the joy she saw on everyone's faces around the table. She always wanted to make people feel happy and feel welcome in her home.

Mary enjoyed playing cards and was a ruthless pepper player. To be her partner meant winning at the end of the game with a quick upset. She was sly and never revealed her hand until the very end. She also enjoyed reading. Throughout her life you could find her with a book. She read all genres and took something out of every piece she read.

Later in life, John and Mary enjoyed going for rides in their 1952 Chevy. They would explore the countryside both near and far; sometimes ending up further than expected from home. They loved this time together. Whether they were lost or found, they were just happy to be with each other.

Mary was a good and faithful servant of the Lord, and an active member of St. Mark Lutheran Church. In the past, she taught Sunday school, bible school and Midweek classes. She loved her church family and the Lord.

Mary will be missed by her loving husband, John; daughters: Susie (Alan) Henkle, Stacie Buhr, and Stephanie (Michael) Van't Sant; grandsons: Kyle (Emily), and Eric Henkle, Benjamin Buhr, and Ken and Carter Van't Sant; siblings: David (Diana) Whitson, and Kathryn (James) Flaugh; sisters-in-law: Doreen (Daryl) Forbes, and Marleen (Michael) Grimm; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Mary was preceded in death by her parents; in-laws, Heinz and Marianne Buhr; brother-in-law, Lyle Klingman; sisters-in-law: Karon Klingman, and Linda McClusky; niece, Jennifer Whitson; and nephew, Daniel Flaugh.

A memorial fund has been established.

Online condolences for the family may be left at www.teahenfuneralhome.com.