"Emmett and Family, Terry and I are so sorry to hear of Mary's passing. She taught our boys swimming lessons and then sent them on the Swim America. Please know you are in our prayers during this difficult time. Terry, Karen, Steve, Lisa, and Tim Burianek"
In loving memory of
Mary Margaret Stevermer
April 29, 1936 - October 27, 2023
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Mary Margaret Stevermer age 87, of Ames died at her home on Friday October 27, 2023, in Ames. A gathering visitation will be 4-6:00p.m. with a Vigil Service to follow on Wednesday, November 1, at Grandon Funeral and Cremation Care, 414 Lincoln Way, Ames. A mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 a.m. Thursday, November 2, at St. Cecilia Catholic Church, 2900 Hoover Avenue, Ames. A burial will take place at Ames Municipal Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to St. Cecilia Catholic Church. Online condolences may be directed to www.grandonfuneralandcremationcare.com
Mary Margaret Stevermer passed away on Friday, October 27, 2023 at the age of 87. Mary was born April 29, 1936 in Winnebago, MN to Edward and Mayme Dickman.
After Mary received her undergraduate degree from Mankato State University, she taught physical education in Owatonna, MN and served as a waterfront director at various summer camps on the west coast. In 1963, she moved to Ames, IA to join the faculty in the Department of Physical Education at Iowa State University, and began graduate studies at the University of Northern Colorado in 1969.
Mary married Emmett Stevermer on July 18, 1970 at Saints Peter & Paul Catholic Church in Blue Earth, MN before making their home in Ames. Mary was active in the community through her involvement with Ames High athletics, St. Cecilia Catholic Church, PEO, Ames Women's Club, and by serving as a poll worker for many years. She taught swimming lessons for over 30 years, instructing generations of Ames families. In friend and family circles, she was known for her baking (tea rings), quilting, and genealogy work. She rarely missed an Iowa State Cyclones athletics event, but her greatest pleasure was visiting with family and spending time with her grandchildren.
Mary is survived by her husband of 53 years, Emmett; daughter, Katie of Clive; son, Matt (Cathy) of West Des Moines; son, Scott (Krissy) of Ames; six grandchildren (Mason, Alexa, Carter, Zachary, Erickson, and Keenan); in-laws: Sister Mary Owen Stevermer of Shakopee, MN; Alice (Lawrence) Killion of Mankato, MN; Cathy Stevermer of Blue Earth, MN; and Irene Mikkelson of Burnsville, MN; and multiple nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her parents; a brother and sister-in-law, Jim and Joanne Dickman; and in-laws: Ray and Margaret Stevermer, Tom Stevermer, Bill Stevermer, and Jerry Mikkelson.
Tributes
"Emmett, Katie, Matt and Scott, So sorry for your loss and that my family couldn't be with you to celebrate the life of this wonderful women. I have wonderful memories of Great Aunt Mary and will always cherish and share them. I was going to reach out in May as I was passing through her area but didn't have much time to visit. Looking back, I so wish I would've made the time. Your family will always hold a special place in my heart, I hope that all the memories you are able to share help ease the grief that you have. With Sympathy and Love, Stephanie Hanson (Besendorf)"
"Emmett and Family, I'm so sorry for your loss. I hadn't met Mary until Dan Loy's retirement, but she looked so healthy and cheery that afternoon. Emmett, you hold a very special place in my heart and I'm grieving with you today. Denise Schwab"
"Emmett, Katie,Matt, and Scott; I am so sorry for your loss. Mary was a great neighbor and friend for many years. She will be missed by everyone who knew her. Words are never adequate at a time like this, sorry is the best I can do. Regards Keith Bailey"
"Dear Emmett & Family, I am so very sorry for your great loss. I have fond memories of working with Emmett and the gang in Animal Science Extension. Barb and I were there so long we became friends with the families and enjoyed watching the children grow and progress. I'm living in Todos Santos, Mexico B.C.S. now and remarried. Steve and I were married in 2018. Please let the children know I remember them and am sorry for their Mom's passing. Cherish the memories Dear Friends - when it's all said and done, that is what we have left. Hang on to the love and the laughter, any not so great times will disappear on their own. Sending Love and Hugs to each of you. Blessings for Peace and Acceptance and to looking to the future once the major sadness has subsided. It hurts for a very long time; but life does go on for those of us left behind. Mary would want you each to continue and find your way in her absence from this earth. Love and hold each other and share wonderful stories of happier times - she'll be right there laughing with you in spirit. Love to all, Jo Hebert (previously Holland) Animal Science Secretary ~ 1981-1986"
"Emmett, Matt, Katie, Scott and families, We are so very sorry to hear of this loss of what is surely one of the most kind, happy and encouraging women we have known. We are so thankful for her advice, her conversations around the pool (not to mention the swimming lessons for us all) and just the positive view that Mary put on everything and everyone around her. Lots of tears for sure, but also thankful for a tremendous life well lived. Brad and Julie Skaar. Garrett, Ryan and Sam and families."
"Katie, and family, My deepest condolences. Your Mom, snd your Dad, gladly volunteered for every research study I conducted both at ISU and DMU. Her support, kindness and humor ( we always laughed alot when she came in) will not be forgotten. I so wish I could be there in person, but Im sending lots of love and prayers"
"Katie, So sorry for your loss I only had the pleasure of meeting your Mom a few time and I know how much Lauren thought of her savor those sweet moments you had with your Mom! lots of prayers for you and your family in the difficult coming days "
"To the Stevermer family, I am so sorry for you and all of the parish family at St Cecilia on the loss of such a wonderful lady. Her warmth, generosity of time and talent to the community and parish surely set a great example for all of us and she will be sorely missed. My deepest sympathy. Marilyn Polito "
"Sincerest sympathies to the family. I am further saddened that I cannot attend the visitation due to travel. We'll be thinking of you Emmett and family. True AHS athletics legends. Such warm gracious people... truly something to emulate! Warmest condolences to all of you. Keith Kohler and family."
"My condolences to your family. Mary was an amazing lady. So warm and kind. I am sure she will be missed. Teresa Scanlan"
"My deepest sympathies to you all. I only met her a few times and she was lovely. But I heard of many stories and know she loved all of you with all her heart. May those happy memories give you joy."
"The Stevermer's would have their seats at the Iowa State football games right above our Dad's...Mary always had a cheerful greeting and you could tell her warmth was contagious. Our condolences to the family."
"Mary was a second mom to everyone fortunate enough to call one of her children a friend. Her quick wit and warm hugs will be sorely missed. Sending love to the family!"
"My deepest sympathies to Emmett, Matt, Katie, Scott and families. Mary was one of the kindest people I know and will be missed by so many. I hope all your good memories of her will help you through the difficult days ahead. Thinking of you all."
"To the Stevermer family: words cannot express the grief and sorrow of losing such a wonderful lady! Mary always greeted our family with a smile and open arms. She would be willing to help wherever and whenever she was needed for activities with St. Gerard's circle and the St. Cecilia's community. Mary had the patience of a saint in teaching our 3 sons Red Cross swim lessons year after year in her backyard pool! She will be missed!! Hugs and prayers to all; Emmett, Katie, Matt, and Scott and families! Mark and Diana Weber "
"Emmet and family, I struggle to find the right words to express my thoughts on Mary?s death. Mary welcomed me with her warm smile, hospitality, and kindness when I was a young mother and a new parishioner. She encouraged me and taught me the secret to making tea rings when working on the parish bazaar. She taught although I failed to learn to swim. She never failed to greet me with her welcoming smile in almost 50 years of knowing her. My life is better because of Mary-a warm and loving person. Lois Lehmkuhl"
"My sincerest condolences to the Stevermer family. I hope the memories of this life well lived will bring you comfort."
"Tom and I are very sadden by this news. Our prayers are with you and your family. "
"I?m absolutely heartbroken to hear this. I had many customers on my route when I delivered mail but she was more than a customer ? we would chat now and then and she always asked how I was doing. (My last park of the day was by their house and I probably looked frozen, melted, or just flabbergasted ?) My sympathies to her family and friends"
"Dear family of Mary, We are so sorry to hear this news. Our sympathy to all her family. Lloyd knew Emmet on the ISU faculty for many years and we both enjoyed their association through the Animal Science Dept and St. Cecilia. Thinking of you at this difficult time. JaNelle and Lloyd Anderson"