Mary Ann Karsjens, age 60, passed away on Tuesday, July 4, 2000, at the Franklin General Hospital in Hampton, Iowa, due to complications of cancer. Mary Ann Eekhoff was born August 14, 1939 in Kanawha, Iowa, the daughter of Herman and Elsie (Swyler) Eekhoff. She graduated from Kanawha High School. She was married to Harold "Bud" Karsjens on May 26, 1995, at Aplington. Mary Ann had been employed as an Account Specialist in the Controller's Office at the University of Northern Iowa. She retired last fall because of her health. Prior to working in the Controller's Office, Mary Ann was the secretary of Don Tiernan in Administrative Data Processing and Don Walton in the Office of the Vice President for Administrative Services. She was a member of the First Reformed Church in Aplington.
Surviving are her husband, Harold; a son, Chad Hoversten of Waterloo; her father Herman Eekhoff; two step-daughters, Denise Eilderts of Aplington and Dawn Shepard of Waterloo; three step-sons, Daniel Karsjens of Ackley, Douglas Karsjens of Waterloo, and Dean Karsjens of Waterloo; five step-grandchildren; five sisters, Carol Everett and her husband Bob of Omaha, Nebraska, Donna Eggum and her husband Jon of Albert Lea, Minnesota, Janet Olsen and her husband Ole of Mason City, Linda Foss and her husband Rich of Winona, Minnesota, and Sue Schlosser and her husband Steve of Mason City; and a brother, Paul Eekhoff and his wife Denise of Clarion. Mary Ann was preceded in death by her grandparents and her mother, Elsie Eekhoff.
Funeral services will take place Friday at 1:30 p.m. at the First Reformed Church in Aplington, Iowa. The Reverend Gary Hegstad will officiate, with burial in the Christian Reformed Cemetery, in Ackley, Iowa. Friends may call at Sietsema Funeral Home; 501 10th Avenue, Ackley, Iowa 50601. Visitation will be from 3-8 p.m. on Thursday, with the family present from 5-8 p.m. Those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider sending memorials in care of Harold Karsjens, 120 7th Street, Aplington, Iowa 50604.
Copyright Waterloo Courier, July 5, 2000, p. B2.