Mary Vermeer

Rock Rapids, Iowa

Mary Frances Vermeer, formerly of Rock Rapids, Iowa; Beloved Wife, Mother, Grandmother and Great-grandmother passed away at age 90 on May 31, 2022.

A private burial service will take place Saturday, June 4, 2022  in Riverview Cemetery.  A memorial service will take place later this summer.

Mary Frances Vermeer was born December 5, 1931 in Orange City, Iowa, the daughter of John and Barbara (Gorzeman) DeHaan.  Mary Frances had her primary schooling in Orange City, and remembered fondly being among the earliest Dutch Dozen street dancers.  On August 14, 1951 Mary was united in marriage to Verlyn Dale Vermeer in Orange City.  They have one child, Barry Guy Vermeer, who was born on March 27, 1955.  The couple moved to Rock Rapids in October, 1957 where Verlyn co-owned Crown Jewelers.  Mary enjoyed many years of employment at Doris Doty, a local women’s clothing store.

Mary was loved and admired for being faithful and hard working, and for bringing joy and love to her many friends and family.  She adored animals (especially dachshunds) and was an enthusiastic card player, belonging to several area bridge clubs.  She was an avid knitter, taught many others the craft and lovingly made sweaters, slippers and other items for her loved ones.  Certainly her biggest passion was her family.  Mary loved to cook and bake for them, and just spend time in their presence. 

Mary is survived by her son Barry (Ann) Vermeer of Minneapolis, Minnesota and their children Jennifer (Clark) Gregor, Minneapolis and John (Eleni) Vermeer of New York City, New York.  She has two great-grandchildren, Lydia Rosemary and Everett Robert Gregor.  She is also survived by her sister, Barbara Deets of Naples, Florida and her niece Kristin (Michael) Deets.  Mary was preceded in death by her husband, Verlyn Vermeer, her parents and her brother-in-law Milton King Deets.

A memorial for Mary and Verlyn is being planned for later this summer.

In lieu of flowers, memorials preferred to the Animal Humane Society or Dakota Dachshund Rescue (7505 East Mystic Drive, Sioux Falls, South Dakota 57110).

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