Mary Ann Wiarda

Rock Rapids, IA        Mary Ann Wiarda, age 94 of Rock Rapids, IA died Thursday, March 17, 2016 at Lyon Specialty Care in Rock Rapids, IA.        Funeral service will be 2:00 p.m., Monday, March 21st at Jurrens Funeral Home of Rock Rapids. Burial will follow at Riverview Cemetery in Rock Rapids.        Visitation will be Monday, March 21st from 12 noon until the hour of service at Jurrens Funeral Home of Rock Rapids.           Mary Ann Wiarda was born January 7, 1922 in Sioux Center, Iowa, the daughter of John and Winnie (Bonnema) Kruizenga. She grew up in Sioux Center and attended school through 8th grade. She moved to Rock Rapids and began working for Dr. Wubena at the Rock Rapids Hospital. She was united in marriage to Cecil Wiarda on April 19, 1941 in Rock Rapids, IA. They farmed northeast of Rock Rapids before moving to various places such as Steen, MN, Edgerton, MN and Hardwick, MN. They moved back to Cecil’s family farm in 1963 and moved into Rock Rapids in 1977. During this time Mary worked at Merrill Pioneer Hospital in Rock Rapids and Central Lyon School, along with raising four sons. She was a member of First Reformed Church in Rock Rapids. She enjoyed crocheting, painting, search a word and her many pets. On February 18, 1988 Mary’s husband Cecil died after 46 years of marriage. She remained active with community activities, babysitting for neighbors. After she retired, she loved to make mint trays for Christmas and Weddings and other special occasions. She entered Lyon Manor Nursing & Rehabilitation Center in December of 2013 and remained there until her death this past Thursday, March 17, 2016. She will be remembered as a strong woman who endured hard times through hard work. She is survived by four sons, Bob Wiarda of Duluth, MN, Doug Wiarda of Rock Rapids, IA, Merle Wiarda of Rock Rapids, IA and Jeff (Patricia) Wiarda of Sheldon, IA; six grandchildren; ten grandchildren; one brother, Melvin Kruizenga of Hospers, IA; and many other extended family. She was preceded in death by her parents, John and Winnie Kruizenga; husband, Cecil Wiarda; five sister, Deanna Van Ravenswaag, Kate Kosters, Esther Schoenleveld, Alice Dolislager, Winifred Colander; five brothers, Dick Kruizenga, John Kruizenga, Peter Kruizenga, Ben Kruizenga and Glen Kruizenga; and a daughter-in-law Karla Wiarda.