Mary Kathryn Deterding
August 13, 1918 ~ December 17, 2015
Mary K. Deterding, age 97, of Elma, IA, passed away on Thursday, December 17, 2015 at Colonial Manor in Elma, IA.
Mary Kathryn Zobeck was born on August 13, 1918 to Joseph and Josephine (Falada) Zobeck on the farm near Lourdes, IA. Mary was united in marriage to Henry Deterding on November 22, 1937 at Our Lady of Lourdes Church. The couple farmed near Lourdes for several years before opening Hank’s Café in Elma which they operated for over 20 years. Mary enjoyed crocheting, fishing, gardening, playing cards, dancing and going to the casinos. Mary was a loving mother and grandmother and enjoyed spending time with family and friends. She was a long time member of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Elma.
Mary is survived by her daughters Mary Jo Trachta of Vinton, IA, Marlene (Jerry Gibney) Schneider of Cedar Rapids, IA and Darlene (Ken) Gibney of Cedar Rapids, IA; daughter-in-law Virginia Deterding of Vinton, IA; grandchildren Deb Anderson, Don Trachta, Troy Deterding, and Kaylee and Alex Gibney; six great grandchildren; and very special friend and guardian angel, Joann Kimble.
Mary is preceded in death by her parents Joseph and Josephine Zobeck; husband Hank; son Gene, infant daughter Mary Lou; son-in-law Louis Trachta; granddaughter Megan Gibney; brothers Wesley, Joseph, and Victor Zobeck and sisters Olga Loftus and Helen Kruger.
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Sympathy to the family of Mary Kathryn Deterding.
My parents were Joseph and Barbara (Kubicek) Shock who knew her.
Rita (Shock) and Dean Tegland
To Mary’s Family, You are in my thoughts & prayers. What a Beautiful & wonderful lady. We moved to Elma in 1988. We lived next door to Hank & Mary. She so loved her home & garden/yard/flowers.
She was always busy with something. Lots of times I’d pop up for a visit and she’d be cleaning cupboards or scrubbing her kitchen floor. Their home was spotless, well kept, inside & out. It’s sad to say, it’s not like that anymore & it always bothered her, each time we’d exchange Christmas cards. She’d have the windows open, you could smell her baking, cooking & pickle brine, was wonderful. Hank was particular about his garden. He ordered plants/seeds, he’d have the biggest, best tomatoes & onions. Mary would be canning. Hank spent alot of time in the swing in the back yard. Every now & again, Mary would step out back & have a cigarette. I got a chuckle out of that. She worked so hard to keep Hank at home, alot to care for after his stroke. She loved deeply. She was always good to my 3 kids. When I had my 3rd baby, they came over to see & hold him & gave him a beautiful mint green sleeper. I still have it in my baby chest. She lived a long life & never stopped missing her Hank, Henry when he was in the Dutch! Always yearned for her home. They are together again. He was probably chuckling when he saw her, woman what took you so long? God Bless Mary & Hank and the entire Family. It saddens my Heart that I won’t be able to send her a Christmas Card, nor her to me. You are in my thoughts & prayers. God received an Angel. Love & Many Fond Memories.
No heart breaks alone for God is always near. When a prayer is whispered God is always there to hear. When sorrow’s overwhelming, He comforts tenderly. A single tear never falls that he does not hear.(Psalms 65:2) Sorry for your loss.
Sorry to here of your mothers passing, will say a prayer.
Marlene and family,
I am so very sorry for your loss. I know how loved your Mom was and I know you will miss her greatly. Please know that I am thinking about you all and sending thoughts of peace and comfort your way.
So sorry for your loss, Mary was one of the sweetest ladies I have ever met. Find peace in knowing Jesus has a special place for her. God bless you.