Mary Van Hemert

MARY BETH VAN HEMERT

Cedar Rapids

Mary Beth (Van Etten) Van Hemert, 59, of Cedar Rapids, died peacefully Sunday, Dec. 6, 2015, at the Dennis and Donna Oldorf Hospice House of Mercy. Celebration of Life services will be at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, Dec. 9, at Hillside Wesleyan Church, located at 2600 First Ave. NW, with Pastor Kirk Statler officating. Brosh Chapel in Cedar Rapids is handling arrangements.

Mary Beth was born June 7, 1956, in Dixon, Ill., the daughter of John and Marilyn (Strattan) Van Etten. She graduated from Cedar Rapids Jefferson High School in 1974 and graduated from the University of Northern Iowa in 1978 with a degree in elementary education-special education. Mary Beth was a full-time teacher with Marshalltown Community Schools from 1978-1983. Mary Beth was united in marriage to Gary Van Hemert on June 12, 1982, in Marshalltown. She devoted her life to her growing family, eventually moving to Mason City, where she served as a teacher of English language learners. Upon retirement, she returned to Cedar Rapids to care for her mother.

Mary Beth is survived by her husband, Gary; four children, John (Jessica) Van Hemert of Johnston, Sara (Uche) Maduka of Coralville, Hanna (Pete) Galloway of Cody, Wyo., and Ben Van Hemert (Stephanie Klein); three grandchildren, Gabe, Sam and Okechukwu; her mother, Marilyn Van Etten of Cedar Rapids; her siblings, Frank (Linda) Van Etten of Walker, Tom (Vickie) Van Etten of Cedar Rapids and Ben (Liz) Van Etten of Mount Vernon; as well as her nieces, nephews and great-nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by father, John; sister-in-law, Carey Van Etten; and great-nephew, Luke.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to IMPACTO, which provides food, education and care to the children of Guatemala. Donations may be sent to Hillside Wesleyan Church in Mary Beth's name.

Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.broshchapel.com.