Mary Lou Marienau

Mary Lou Marienau, 85, of Hawarden, Iowa, passed away Wednesday, April 1, 2020 at MercyOne Siouxland in Sioux City, Iowa.

   Due to state and federal guidance on gatherings due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the family will not be having a public memorial at this time.  A private family graveside service will take place at the Grace Hill Cemetery in Hawarden with Rev. Joshua Lowe of the Trinity Lutheran Church, LCMS officiating.  Public viewing, with no family present, and limited to 10 people at a time practicing social distancing, will be at the Porter Funeral Home in Hawarden from noon to 6:00 p.m. Sunday, April 5, 2020. Condolences may be sent to www.porterfuneralhomes.com

   Mary Lou Jager was born December 15, 1934 in Hawarden, Iowa, the daughter of Harry and Willa (Richardson) Jager.  She grew up in Hawarden and graduated from Hawarden High School in 1953.  Mary married Verle Marienau, her high school sweetheart, on June 21, 1953 at Trinity Lutheran Church in Hawarden.  They celebrated 63 years together before Verle passed away on April 13, 2016.

   Mary worked as a secretary for Clayton Thompson right after graduation from high school.  She then started a career in the banking business as a teller until retiring in February 1997, taking some years off during that time to raise their five children.

   Mary was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church, LCMS in Hawarden, serving on the Finance Board and being a member of the LWML for many years.  She enjoyed spending time with her family, and Sunday dinners together were regular events.  She took pride in her children and grandchildren, attending their sporting and musical events.  Mary always wanted to play the piano, so she made sure all her children learned to play.

   Mary is survived by her five children:  Valerie (David) Wilson, Franklin, Tennessee, Linda (Rick) Schipper, Ireton, Iowa, Sharon (Jerry) Wakeman, Akron, Iowa, Mark (Lethia) Marienau, Hawarden, and Susan Sharpe, Fort Walton Beach, Florida;  thirteen grandchildren:  Shanna, Brian, Nate, Seth, Chris, Sam, Katie, Steven, Willa, Shania, Kelcie, Rachel, and Henry; seven great-grandchildren:  Marley, Clover, Sophie, Olive, Oscar, Ian, and Greta; two step-grandchildren and five step-great- grandchildren; sister, Ruth (Harlan) Benda of Hawarden; brother, Jim (Verna) Jager of Hazel Green, Alabama; sisters-in-law Margie Jager of Rock Valley and Glenda Jager of Woodbury,  Minnesota; and numerous nieces and nephews.

   Mary was preceded in death by her husband, Verle; her parents, Harry and Willa Jager; Verle’s parents Henry and Alvina Marienau; brothers, Harry, Jr (Bud), Ralph, Gordon, Ron, and Bob; sisters, Geneva (Sis) Tucker, Betty Vipond, and Lois Plueger; and Toddie, her faithful companion of 13 years.