Mary Jane Rodemeyer, 75, of Hampton, passed away Monday, December 18, 2023, at Franklin General Hospital. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m., Wednesday, January 3, 2024, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Hampton, with visitation held one hour prior to the service. Burial will take place in the Hampton Cemetery. Woodley Funeral Home of Hampton is caring for Mary Jane and her family.
Mary Jane Rodemeyer was born May 5, 1948, in Hampton, Iowa, daughter of Edward and Berniece (Holstad) Rodemeyer. She graduated from CAL Community School and furthered her education at the University of Northern Iowa in Cedar Falls, receiving her Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education.
Mary Jane had a deep faith and passion for serving others. This led her to teaching preschool and kindergarten early in her career in the Council Bluff school system and later at Trinity Lutheran Care and Share Preschool. Her later career involved working with the older population caring for residents at the Franklin Prairie Apartments in her CNA position.
Mary Jane was an active member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Hampton, as well as the Trinity Lutheran Esther Circle and Quilting Group. She was involved in several groups; Hampton Senior Center, delivering Meals on Wheels; Franklin General Hospital Auxiliary gift shop volunteer and Orphan Grain Train collecting and delivering items to send to those in need. Volunteering as a Reading Buddy for Hampton Elementary 1st grade students was a highlight for her.
Even Mary Jane’s hobbies included serving others; baking food to give, creating quilts to send
overseas, or garage treasure hunting to purchase a “find” someone else might need or want. Planting and tending her flowers at home and outings with friends and family near and far brought her great joy.
Mary Jane is survived by her brother James (Sherry) Rodemeyer of Winona, Minnesota; sister Lois (Bruce) Ahrens of Solon; niece Sarah (Christopher) Matthews of Minneapolis, Minnesota; nephews Abram (Jennifer) Rodemeyer of Rochester, Minnesota, Benjamin (Melissa) Rodemeyer of Apple Valley, Minnesota, Matthew (Brittney) Ahrens of Solon, Michael (Alaina) Ahrens of New York, New York and Marcus (Erin) Ahrens of Atlanta, Georgia; along with 16 great nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents.
Memorials may be directed to Orphan Grain Train – Orphanage Sponsorship, Lutheran Hour Ministries, Mercy Ships and Esther Circle of Trinity Lutheran Church.
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