"Thoughts and prayers to the Gengler family. I know our parents had lots of fun together and raised a glass or two every once in awhile! When I see Bobby at the next Iowa game watch in AZ, we?ll toast to Mary! "
In loving memory of
Mary M. Gengler
January 3, 1920 - August 12, 2018
Funeral Mass was held on Friday, August 17, 2018 at St. Michael's Catholic Church in Whittemore. Burial was in St. Michael's cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Michael's Tuition Assistance Fund or American Legion/Legion Auxiliary.
Mary Margaret Carberry was born in January 3, 1920 in Springfield, IL to Thomas and Margaret Carberry, the oldest of five children. She passed away Sunday, August 12, 2018 at Good Samaritan Center in Algona, where she lived for the past 14 years. She was 98 years young.
She worked for Illinois Bell for five years before meeting Robert Gengler of Whittemore. They were united in married in Springfield, IL October 16, 1943, they became parents of Mary Carol (Gary) Starbird, Jean (Rich Naidus), Bob, Jim (Debra), and Marilyn (Joe) Livingston.
Mary loved Whittemore, over the years, she was involved with St. Michael's Parish and various community organizations. While raising her family, she also worked at Whittemore Billiards and the local Post Office. Mary and Bob enjoyed travelling. After retirement, they visited Europe, Mexico, and many US states.
Survived by her five children, Brother, Reverend John Carberry; sister-in-law and brother-in-law Carole and Bill Ristau, ten grandchildren, eight great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by husband of 46 years, Robert, parents, three sisters, and three infant children.
Mary's frequent calls to family and friends were welcome and kept all informed of family and local news. She had a legendary, almost encyclopedic memory for dates and histories; many people called her to verify facts.
She never met a stranger; her ability to strike up a conversation with anybody was a great attribute. Very proud of her Irish heritage, she always perked up when she heard Irish music and probably did a jig or two in her past. We will always remember her smiling Irish eyes.
Our family want to extend many thanks to all who helped or visited our mother in Whittemore or at Good Samaritan Center. Those acts of kindnesses always lifted her spirits and remind us all to treat each other as we would want to be treated. Thank you Whittemore for being such a kind community and for all you have done for our family over the years. Special thanks to Rebecca Lancaster and Kitty and Tim Schneider.
Tributes
"What a smile-bringing picture of your mother waving! Best I've ever seen. Many thoughts and fond memories have swirled around in my thoughts of the amazing person Mary is. One of them is how Mary would look around the activity room as we were gathering people for the rosary or some such activity and see if someone was missing. If they were, like a good shepherd, she would send someone to get them. The other imaginary thought I have is surely when Jesus took Mary's hand, she didn't just walk into Heaven, she danced!!! and I imagine she'll be dancing forever. Nothing can hold her down now! I hope and pray there will be laughter and much joy at her send-off this morning. I won't be there, but my heart will be celebrating the love you so wonderfully had for her and her for you! May you "see and hear" your Mother rejoicing in Paradise this day. I pray God will send you some special sign as a last delight. Sincerely, Barb Vaske, former activity assistant at Good Samaritan"
"Our deepest sympathy to all of you - your Mom was a very special person. We always visited her every time that we stopped at Good Sam when we were back in Iowa. She had such a memory! "
"To the Genglers, thoughts and prayers from Texas. A true icon of Whittemore. She stood guard over that mighty downtown for many years. How many people did that family host and make laugh over the years. And the kids continue to. How many stories of Whittemore lore start with "Remember when those Gengler boys ..." You raised a great bunch, Mary. Thank you for being such a good friend to my mother over the years, Mary. Rest easy, and say hey to all the Whittemore folks up there."
"Mary Gengler family - She was a joy to visit with, always so positive. May God comfort you during this time of sorrow, cherish the memories. Sincere sympathy, Carol (Anliker) Hjelmeland"
"Dear Gengler kids, I remember fondly the fun times we Rooney kids would have when we visited Marty and Jerry and G'ma Irene and G'pa John with all of you. Your parents were fun people and loved life. I am sure you have many wonderful memories of them. Sincere sympathy, Jean Rooney Oleson, Spencer, IA"
"I had the privilege and honor of doing Mary's hair when I had my salon CLassic Styles in Whittmore. She was such a joy to see every week and so sweet. I have never met another person who had a memory like Mary! Her kids were her greatest joy, she loved Whittemore and it's people! Mary loved life and it showed in her smile, laughter and love she had for everyone she met. Bob and Mary both made me feel welcome and were such a joy to get to know. I will never forget the kindness and support they so easily gave to me. May they enjoy happiness forever together! My thoughts and prayers are with all of you dear Gengler kids at this time. Pat Laubenthal "
"Our family is so sorry for the loss of such a wonderful woman and someone who was a dear friend to my folks. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time. "
"My prayers and my deepest sympathy go out to the Gengler family."
"My prayers and my deepest sympathy go out to the Gengler family."
"Lifting the Gengler family up in prayer. May the memories that live within you and the Lord's grace be of comfort to you during these grieving times. Hugs and blessings, Kathy"
"Sending our sympathy to the Gengler family. Mom is unable to comprehend anymore, but often talked of their friends Bob and Mary. And as a young child I remember vividly Mary?s mangle and sneaking into the pool hall downstairs from our neighboring apartments! May memories of happy times bring you all comfort. Colleen (Rooney) Renk. "
"Mary was such a joy to visit with when we went to visit Grandma Amanda Walker. Not being from Whittemore and marrying into it, she was always ready to talk and share the news. When you wanted to catch up, you talked to Mary. Rest in peace. "
"Our sympathies to the Gengler family. We will be unable to attend the visitation or funeral. We are currently in Rochester at the Mayo Clinic. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. Mick and Lynne Zimmerman"
"Such a lovely woman and Aunt! She was always such a gracious hostess when family visited over the years. Gengler cousins, my deepest sympathies to you all. Wish I could come to see all of you and share great stories. Love and prayers to all. Karen Bauer"
"To the Gengler Family: my deepest sympathies on the loss of your dear mother. ?? Her sense of humor and love for others was a shining example of the kind of person we all should strive to be. God has called her Home and her pain and suffer on earth now, in turn, will be her greatest reward in Heaven. Love to each of you. May she rest in God's Eternal Peace. Amen ? "
"When my mom and aunts were in the Care Center, we often visited with Mary. It was always a joy to visit with her. One New Years Eve, while sitting at the bedside of my Aunt Peggy, I noticed that John had disappeared (this was at midnight). When I asked him where he had gone, he said he had walked by Mary's room and she had invited him in to have a toast (with wine) to the new year! What a special person. "
"To all the Gengler family, Mary was a very special lady and I enjoyed many wonderful visits with her. I am sure Bob and all the friends were there with their hand out to welcome her home. What a reunion they are having. I was so blessed to be loved by the Gengler family and will always remember the great times. We truly were blessed to have our parents and the childhoods we had. Know you are in my thoughts and prayers. May your love and memories help you through each upcoming day. Much love, many prayers and lots of hugs, Marcia Zatloukal Friedrich ?"
"Mary was kind, and gentle person. So glad I got to meet her and take care of her. Annette Hawkins"
"Mary was kind, and gentle person. So glad I got to meet her and take care of her. Annette Hawkins"
"My sympathy to your family. Mary was one super nice lady. There was a time I felt like I was a member of your family.......babysitting so often. Had many good phone conversations and her memory always amazed me. Remembering all of you in my prayers."
"Hugs to all the Genglers. My heart is hurting just knowing the feelings you all are having, but also happy for Mary, knowing she is with Bob again and all her Whittemore friends that were waiting with our Lord to give her a big hug and welcome her into heaven. Mary was definitely one in a million and so loved by everyone. I'm so happy that I got to grow up knowing her and your family and considering you to be family. Just know that you are all in my thoughts and prayers. We were so lucky to have the parents we had!!!! Love to all! Linda Muller Froehlich"
"I loved taking care of Mary. We had allot of good times 2 gether. I will miss her deeply. Many fond memories 2 gether. My prayers n thoughts r w the family. She will b dearly missed. R.I.P. Mary. Marcia Berhow"
"Mary was kind, and gentle person. So glad I got to meet her and take care of her. Annette Hawkins"