Mary Green, formerly a long-time resident of Lorimor, IA, died on April 12, 2023 at the Bishop Drumm Nursing Home in Johnston, Iowa. Mary Green was born in Dubuque, Iowa May 1925 to Clement and Ottilia Kindle. Following the death of her parents [1927 & 1934], Mary was raised in Maquoketa, Iowa by Arthur and Marie Frommelt Graff; the Graffs established and operated the Maquoketa City Memorial Hospital. Mary attended Maquoketa Schools while performing duties at the Hospital. She had many fond childhood memories of time spent with “Grandpa and Grandma” Ludwig and Mamie Frommelt of Dubuque and of summers spent at the Graff cabin alongside the Wapsipinicon River.
Mary met George Green while working in a cafe near the Frommelt’s Dubuque Awning and Tent Company. They were married Aug. 26, 1943 in St. Joseph, MO. They moved to Lorimor, IA in the mid-1940s; George Green worked as a Signal Maintainer for the Great Western & Chicago Great Western Railroad while Mary was homemaker to their growing family.
She was a devoted wife and mother. Mary was a wonderful cook and won several Baking Contests; her Chocolate Silk Pie was a family favorite. She made extraordinary efforts to make our Birthdays and Holidays special; especially Christmas. Our family enjoyed many vacations and camping trips together. Mary enjoyed visiting with Lorimor friends. Each Christmas she would fill large trays full of homemade cookies and candy for us to deliver to our neighbors and friends.
Mary, George and their daughter, Juanita were especially thrilled for the opportunity to be cast as extras in the movie, “Cold Turkey” starring Dick Van Dyke that was filmed in Winterset, Iowa. It was an exciting experience. Following George’s death in 1973, Mary worked as a clerk for the Iowa Department of Transportation for many years. As an adult Mary was able to reestablish connections with her mother’s family in Dubuque; and travel to Liechtenstein to meet her father’s remaining relatives. Besides spending time with family and friends, Mary enjoyed cooking, watching old movies, playing card games, and traveling. She especially enjoyed the opportunities she had to spend time with each of her grandchildren.
Mary was preceded in death by her parents; her husband George; their daughter Margaret and son Allen, her brothers Robert, John, and Anthony; and five step-children.
Mary is survived by her three children Myron, Philip, and Juanita; four grandchildren, and several great-grandchildren.
Internment at Lorimor cemetery Lorimor, Iowa.
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