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Mary Ann Glesne
MARY ANN GLESNE
Cedar Rapids
Mary Ann Glesne, 86, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt and dear friend to many, passed away Tuesday, Sept. 9, 2014, at UnityPoint Health - St. Luke's Hospital in Cedar Rapids.
Mary Ann, the daughter of Alvin and Vivian (Orvis) Larson, was born May 2, 1928, in St. Olaf, Iowa. Mary Ann graduated from Monona High School in 1946. She received her bachelor of science degree in elementary education from Iowa State Teachers College in 1949 and her master's degree from Northern Illinois. Mary Ann was united in marriage with Edmund Lee Glesne on May 29, 1949, at the Norway Lutheran Church in St. Olaf, IA. Four children: Mark, Reed, Linda and John, were born to this union.
Mary Ann started as a teacher in Iowa and worked as a teacher in Illinois and Wisconsin. Her last teaching position was as a pre-kindergarten teacher in Prairie du Chien, Wis. She retired from teaching in 1988. Mary Ann and Lee enjoyed their homes and friends in Iowa and Illinois, but they were most fond of their 35 plus years and many friends in Prairie du Chien, Wis.
Mary Ann was a member of St. Peter Lutheran Church in Prairie du Chien and was active in the WELCA. She was also a member of the Illinois Teacher Association and the Wisconsin Teacher Association. She loved cooking and collecting recipes; playing the card games bridge and 500; traveling with her husband; hosting celebrations and gatherings; and playing golf. Mary Ann loved being with her family and friends, and she has always had a special bond with children and older relatives and friends.
Mary Ann is survived by her husband of 65 years, Lee Glesne of Cedar Rapids; her children, Dr. Mark (Arlene) Glesne of Pekin, Ill.; Reed (Sue) Glesne of Mount Vernon, Wash.; Linda (Dennis) Fitz of Cedar Rapids; and John (Sue) Glesne of Minneapolis, Minn.; nine grandchildren, Elizabeth (Chris) Marlow, Dr. Brian (Heather) Glesne, Kurt Glesne, Robert (Erin) Glesne, Chris Glesne, Brandon (Dr. Sara) Fitz, Erika (Ryan) Rensvold, Drew (Natalie) Glesne and Sara Glesne; 12 great-grandchildren, Sophia, Gavin and Chase Marlow; Lucas, Emily and Taylor Glesne; Elle and Vivian Glesne; Martin Glesne; Max Fitz; Olivia Rensvold; Roman Glesne; and another baby boy coming in September; one brother, Roger (Jackie) Larson of Sacramento, Calif.; and her special nieces.
Mary Ann was preceded in death by her parents and infant great-grandson.
Whether it was a picnic, a family reunion, playing cards, entertaining guests, caring for older relatives, teaching children or having coffee with friends, Mary Ann brought joy to all she met. She will be deeply missed.
Memorials may be directed to St. Peter Lutheran Church, Prairie du Chien, Wis., in Mary Ann's honor.
Celebration of Life services will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 13, at St. Peter Lutheran Church in Prairie du Chien, Wis. The Rev. Joe Irvin will be the officiant. Visitation will be held from 10 a.m. until service time Saturday at the church. A private family inurnment will be held at the Norway Lutheran Church Cemetery in St. Olaf.
Thornburg-Grau Funeral Home and Cremation Service in Prairie du Chien, Wis., is assisting the family with arrangements.
Online condolences can be made at www.graufuneral
homes.com.
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