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- Mary M. Wennerstrum
Obituary
Mary M. Wennerstrum
Des Moines - Mary was born in Sioux Falls, SD to Donald L. and Margaret (McQuigg) Miller. After moving several times, the Miller's settled in Ankeny where Mary graduated from Ankeny High School.
Mary attended Iowa State for a year, and then DMACC, where she graduated with her Assoc. Arts in Lib Arts, this is also where she met her husband to be, Brook.
Mary took after her Grandma 'Hattie' and was a consummate gardener, constantly planting vegetables and canning produce annually.
Married in 1980, living in the Des Moines area, son Jaimeson was born, shortly thereafter, a move to Boone, IA where Brian was born. Relocating to Des Moines before the boys were grade school age, remaining there in several different houses- always working on them- another 'hobby' picked up from her father- leaving them in better condition than which she found them.
Mary went back to DMACC and received her AA in Hotel/Motel management, with the idea of purchasing a resort. Locating a desirable property in N. Minnesota, which eventually fell through after moving to the locale, setting up house on an acreage. The garden spot was located with plenty of sun, with fantastic soil for root crops and berries, but a very short growing season. Mary also became a Worm Farmer, and Peddler of castings! The stay in MN was rather short, as Mary accepted a position with YFU in Des Moines.
Mary's interests varied widely, from theater and movies to gardening and fishing and politics. Most recently RV camping with a group that came to be known as the 'Tribe'. The outdoors and gardening were her escape and Spiritual place; but all those came behind her love for her grandchildren.
Mary is survived by husband Brook, sons Jaimeson (Maria) granddaughters Nina and Annika; son Brian (Michelle) and Claire and Colton.
Preceding her in death were parents Donald L Miller and Margaret Miller, sister Ellen Kohtz, and brother James D. Miller.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Feb. 19, 2022, at noon at 1400 Penn Ave., Des Moines.
Posted online on February 14, 2022
Published in Des Moines Register
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