Mary Louise Olerich

Mary Louise Olerich was born in Mt. Vernon, Iowa, May 16, 1934, the daughter of Jesse and Dorothy Ware Parker. When she was nine years old the family moved to Albuquerque, New Mexico, where she was raised and received her education.       Most of Mary’s adult life was spent in Albuquerque raising her children. She later was employed as a Certified Nurses Aide.       In 1997, Mary moved to Denison, Iowa, and for the past several years made her home at the Denison Care Center. While a resident at the care center she was active in their Resident Council, Caring Committee, Welcome Wagon and loved playing bingo.        She was a member of Zion Lutheran Church in Denison.        Mary died Wednesday afternoon, March 24, 2010, at the Denison Care Center in Denison. At the time of her death she had been blessed with 75 years, 10 months and 8 days.      Including her parents, Mary was also preceded in death by one granddaughter: Kayla Adair; and one brother: John Parker.      Those remaining to cherish her memory include seven children: Bonnie Parker and Dorothy McGuire both of Albuquerque, New Mexico; Robert Adair and wife, Kim of Sioux City, Iowa; Vance Adair and fiancé, Elizabeth of Waterloo, Iowa; Diane and husband, Robert Kastli of Sumner, Iowa; Gwendolyn and husband, Mike Luenberger of Waterloo, Iowa; and Debra Adair of Los Lunas, New Mexico; daughter-in-law: Rhonda and husband, Chester Neville of Early, Iowa; 28 grandchildren; 30 great grandchildren; other relatives and friends.       Funeral services were held at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, March 27, 2010, at Zion Lutheran Church, Denison, Iowa, with the Rev. Kurt R. Kaiser officiating. Music for the service included the congregation singing “Old Rugged Cross”, “Amazing Grace” and “What A Friend We Have In Jesus” with Karen Kahl serving as organist. Pallbearers were Dawn Berrier, Darlene Hester, Dawn Hensen, Rhone Lopez, Mandi Soll and Norma Auen. Interment was at Zion Lutheran Cemetery in Denison. Following the interment, the family invited everyone to join them at Cronk’s in Denison for a luncheon and time of fellowship. The Pfannebecker Funeral Home, www.pfannebecker.com , Denison, Iowa, was in charge of arrangements.