Mary M. Gamerdinger

GUTTENBERG, IOWA

Mary Margaret (Wellner) Gamerdinger, 94, of Guttenberg, formerly of Dunkerton, Iowa passed away Saturday, August 31, 2024 at her home surrounded by her children.

Mary was born on March 1, 1930 in Dunkerton, Iowa, the first born daughter of John Joseph Wellner and Margaret Catherine (Meier) Wellner.

As a young girl, Mary helped her parents on the farm. She looked after her two younger sisters, considered herself a tomboy hanging out with her young uncles and neighbor girls. She earned high marks attending the Dunkerton Community School, which her family helped build. All of her children went on to attend the school, and many of grandkids still attend today.

Upon graduation from High School, Mary worked in the offices of the Dunkerton Locker and Rath Packing Company. After visiting an aunt in Milwaukee, she decided to relocate. Mary started working in the Radiology Department at St. Mary’s Hospital. In 1955, while sunning on Bradford Beach, she met her true love, James H. Gamerdinger. After 5 months, they were united in marriage. She then became a housewife caring for her children.

After her last child was in school, Mary became an EMT for the Dunkerton Ambulance. She then cared for her mother for the next 15 years.

Later in life, Mary and James moved to Guttenberg, Iowa. Mary loved attending church, Sunday drives, holding babies, fishing, journaling, puzzles, playing cards, traveling, quilting, and knitting dishrags. They enjoyed getting away from the cold and spent their winters in Arizona.

She is survived by two sisters, Helen O’Connor and Dorothy Shannon; in-laws, Jack & Ruth Gamerdinger; her children, Ted (Angie) Gamerdinger, Cristina Johari, Tim (Lori) Gamerdinger, Tony (Kerri) Gamerdinger, Terry (Judy) Gamerdinger, Tom (Sharri) Gamerdinger, Teresa (Rick) Deardoff, Lisa (Larry) Spencer, Julie (Brian) Rottinghaus, Jon (Dawn) Gamerdinger, Susie (Mike) Scott, Jamie (Jen) Gamerdinger. 60 Grandchildren, 39 Great-Grandchildren, and 1 Great-Great-Grandchild.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, one son-in-law (Kenneth McMains) and 2 grandchildren: (Joshua Gamerdinger and Calvin Spencer).

Mary was a very devoted, loving mother, wife, and grandmother with a strong Catholic faith.

Visitation will be Thursday, September 5, 2024, at Morris Funeral Home in Guttenberg, Iowa from 5-8 p.m. Visitation will continue at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Guttenberg, Iowa from 9:30-10:30 a.m. prior to funeral services. Funeral services will be held on Friday, September 6, 2024, at 10:30 a.m. at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Guttenberg, Iowa, with a luncheon immediately following.

Burial to follow at St. Francis Barclay Church Cemetery in Dunkerton, Iowa for her final resting place.

The family would like to thank all the caregivers who did a wonderful job, especially her granddaughter, Erica.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Mary’s Church in Guttenberg, Iowa, The Resource Center in Guttenberg, Iowa, St. Francis Barclay Church in Dunkerton, Iowa, The Alzheimer Association, or your favorite charity.

Morris Funeral Home in Guttenberg is assisting the family and information is available at www.morrisfuneralhomes.com. Memorials may be sent to Morris Funeral Home (in care of the deceased) 207 South 1st St, Guttenberg, IA 52052.