Obituaries : Mary Helen Zumsande

Mary Helen Zumsande, Cedar Rapids, formerly of Norway, died peacefully of natural causes on December 19, 2025.

A visitation will be from 9:00am – 10:45am Tuesday, December 23, 2025 at St. Michael’s Parish Center, Norway. Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00am, Tuesday at St. Michael’s Catholic Church, Norway, with the Rev. Jacob Dunne presiding. Burial will be at St. Michael’s Cemetery, Norway. In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund has been established in Mary’s name. Brosh Funeral Service of Norway is assisting the family. Condolences can be made to the family at www.neuhausfuneralservice.com. 

Mary was born to Bernhard and Johanna Schonebeck on November 7, 1937 in Germany. Mary met Nicholas Zumsande at her cousin’s wedding in Germany. At 22 years old, she came to America and married Nicholas on July 18, 1959 in New Vienna, Iowa. Mary stayed home while their four children were young and later went to work at South Slope in Norway, retiring in 2000, after 24 years of service. She later continued with South Slope in North Liberty part time as one of the “Golden Girls.”

Survivors include three children, Nick Zumsande of Fairfax, Tom (Pam) Zumsande of Fairfax and Carol (Steve) Doser of Cedar Rapids; eight grandchildren, Matt Ochs, Stephen (Kelly) Ochs, Michael, Nathan and Lauren Zumsande, and Ryan (Emily), Nicole and Ellie Doser; great grandchildren, Kieran, Emery, Carter, Hudson, and Olivia Ochs; brother, Hermann (Maria) Schonebeck of Germany and sisters-in-law, Theresa and Margo Schonebeck; along with many nieces and nephews.

Mary was preceded in death by her husband of 45 years, Nicholas; daughter, Mary Jo (Don) Ochs; parents, Bernhard and Johanna; two brothers, Joseph and Paul Schonebeck, and sister, and brother-in-law, Ursula and Herbert Raible.

Mary was a proud member of St. Michael's Catholic Church, serving as a Eucharistic minister at Mass and to the home bound, and a member of the National Catholic Society of Foresters. Mary also conducted communion services at Colonial Manor in Amana for many years.

She enjoyed traveling back to Germany to visit her family, loved to read, and in her retirement, volunteered her time to help others learn to read.  Mary had a passion for cooking and baking and many enjoyed her wonderful meals. She loved all animals, and many a stray found their way into her home. 

Mary’s Catholic faith was of utmost importance to her, and she was an example to others by her love and patience.  She loved her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren deeply.

She was a resident for her final four years at Meadowview Memory Care in Cedar Rapids, where she participated in many activities and made many friends.  Her family would like to extend a special thank you to the staff at Meadowview, and Mercy Hospice for the compassionate and loving care they provided.