Mary Loes

Mary C. Loes age 91 of Alta Vista, IA died Monday, July 27, 2020, at MercyOne New Hampton Medical Center. A Mass of Christain Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. Monday, August 3, 2020, at St. Bernard's Catholic Church, Alta Vista with Rev. Jerry Kopacek celebrating the Mass. Social distancing practices and facemasks are recommended. People are also welcome to join the service via Facebook Live at 10:30 a.m. on Monday. Interment will be held in Calvary Cemetery in Alta Vista. Friends may greet the family from 3:00 - 5:00 p.m. Sunday, August 2, 2020, at Hugeback - Johnson Funeral Home & Crematory in New Hampton where there will be 3:00 p.m. Rosary. Social distancing practices and facemasks are recommended. Visitation continues an hour prior to the service at the church in Alta Vista on Monday. Mary Catherine (Mary Kay) Loes, age 91 of Alta Vista, IA, aka Murph, Mom, and Grandma, took her final breath on Monday afternoon, July 27, 2020, at MercyOne Medical Center in New Hampton. Mom was born and raised in Alta Vista and was the daughter of Lloyd and Angela Mahoney. She attended St. Williams Catholic School and was an active member of St. Bernard's Catholic church. Being Catholic was not just a religion, it was how she lived. Mom's faith was a driving and comforting force throughout her life. Mom wanted to become a nurse. Her father did not like the idea of his daughter having to do and see the things that nurses did, so he told her she would be a teacher. Mom attended Mt. Mercy College in Cedar Rapids, studying education for the first year. She was persistent and ultimately Grandpa agreed to support her nursing education. She graduated with a Bachelor's Degree in Nursing in 1952. This began an over 40-year career as a nurse working in hospitals, Dr. Rainey's office, and at Colonial Manor. Mom also provided many volunteer hours of care to her family, neighbors, and community. It was her calling to help others when needed. Mom first met John Loes at St. Williams on his first day. He moved to Alta Vista when they were in the 8th grade. She said she knew then that they were meant to be. They were married on January 31, 1953. They had a love that endured time, hard work, joys & struggles, many dances, vacations, and tremendous fun with their family and friends. Growing up included many parties in our home; lots of people, food, beer, and laughs. Our house was in order, but that did not mean without chaos, and we will leave the Chinchilla story for another time! Mom (and Dad's) most treasured legacy is their children and all of the family that followed. Their five sons; Steve & Deb of Minneapolis, MN, Kevin & Jean of Mason City, IA, Brian & Marge of North Liberty, IA, Mark & Callie of Pooler, GA, Neal & Vickie of Ames, and their one daughter Mary Loes Hamilton of Superior, CO. Mom's pride for her children was felt by all of us. She raised us to be accountable for our actions & behaviors, be strong during our challenges and losses, and to be humble in our successes. She often said, "If I knew you all would turn out so well, I wouldn't have worried and prayed so much." Mom, all of your prayers helped us along the way. Mom was even more loving towards her 16 grandchildren. She created a strong and personal relationship with each child. She gave them her time; whether it was playing ball, fishing, feeding the birds, or quiet conversation on the porch swing. Each grandchild knew they were special to her. She was affectionately known as the "Popsicle Grandma". Mom also enjoyed the coming of the next generation and felt so blessed to include 24 great-grandchildren into her life. Mom is survived by her sister Betty Schulte of Kansas City; sister in law Nancy Mahoney of Alta Vista, along with many nieces and nephews. Mom is now enjoying time with Dad, Bridget, and Jason Loes (grandchildren), her parents, her brothers Tom and Jack, and all of the family and friends who have left before her. Being Irish was one of mom's blessings and she let you know it. Here is the refrain from one of her favorite Irish ballads: "When Irish eyes are smiling, sure 'tis like a morn in spring. In the lilt of Irish laughter, you can hear the Angels sing. When Irish hearts are happy, all the world seems bright and gay, And when Irish eyes are smiling, sure, they steal your heart away." Goodbye Mom. Your love lives on in our hearts.