Hebl, Mary Ann (Lynch)

Mary Ann (Lynch) Hebl of Cedar Rapids passed away Tuesday, Nov. 9, 2010, in her home. Iowa Hospice was there to help care for Mary in her final days at home. Funeral Mass will be held at 10 a.m. Monday at St. Pius X Catholic Church, by Father David Ambrosy and Deacon Rick Lynch. Burial will follow at Mount Calvary Cemetery. Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. Sunday at Papich-Kuba Janeba Chapel West, 1604 J St. SW, Cedar Rapids, where a rosary begins at 7 p.m.

Mary was born May 14, 1934, on a farm near Reinbeck, Iowa, the daughter of Edward and Minnie (Saathoff) Lynch. She had four brothers and two half brothers. When Mary was 15 years old, she and her mother moved to Waterloo and Mary graduated from Sacred Heart High School in 1952. Following graduation, Mary had some additional schooling and moved to Iowa City in 1954. She worked at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics in the burn department.

In 1955, Mary met the man of her dreams at a Christmas party at St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church in Iowa City. At the Catholic Foresters party Mary was dressed as Santa Claus handing out gift baskets. Bill Hebl asked Santa Claus for a date and she turned him down. Bill was determined to get a date and so he asked her again. After some careful thought, Mary said “yes.” This was the beginning of their path of true love.

Mary and Bill joined hands on June 21, 1956, at St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church in Iowa City. They lived on the farm for nine years and were blessed with six children, Kathy, Deb, Rosie, Ed, Henry and Helen. When times got tough on the farm, they moved into town so their children would have a better living. Mary worked as a child care provider and housewife while Bill worked for the Post Office and Army Reserves. Mary was involved in Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts and volunteered at school. Even with this busy schedule, Mary and Bill found time for two more children, William J. and Margaret.

On June 1, 1971, the family moved to Cedar Rapids. Mary took a job with the Penny Saver as a supervisor for the couriers. She enjoyed this job for over 20 years and it gave her the freedom to spend time with her eight children and their many activities. Mary also helped the Knights of Columbus with its fish frys and other activities. She was also busy helping out with St. Pius' women's groups and Bible study. This busy and wonderful life for Mary and Bill lasted for 54 years.

Mary is survived by her husband, William; children, Katherine and Bill Buman of Harlan, Debbie Hebl of Des Moines, Rosemary and Ronald Pennebecker of La Crosse, Wis., Edward and Brenda Hebl of Corydon, Henry and Cheryl Hebl of West Branch, Helen and Michael Curley of Omaha, Neb., William Hebl of Cedar Rapids and Margaret and Rodney Staude of Norwalk; 12 grandchildren, Chelsey and Amber Buman, David Hebl, Sara and Mark Pennebecker, Benedict and Kevin Hebl, Hallie Hebl, Elizabeth, Theresa and Steven Curley and Megan Staude; two stepgrandchildren, Chrysta and Cynthia Gray; a stepgreat-granddaughter, Alexis Gray; and three brothers, Dale and Velda Lynch of Sumner, Don and Mary Lynch of Marion and Bill Lynch of Globe, Ariz.

Mary was preceded in death by her parents; brother, Glen Lynch; two half brothers; stepgrandson, Daniel Gray; and her parents-in-law, Elmer and Mary C. Hebl.

Memorial contributions may be given to Iowa Hospice, American Cancer Society and St. Pius X Catholic Church.