Closz, Mary Anne (1875-1956)

CLOSZ, BIERNATZKI, JEFFERS

Posted By: Debbie Greenfield (email)
Date: 2/25/2016 at 09:24:26

Daily Freeman Journal, Friday, June 1, 1956

Mary Anne Closz, daughter of Charles and Ida Charlotte [Biernatzki] Closz, was born on March 11, 1875 at Webster City, Iowa. It was in this community that Mary Closz spent her lifetime, except for a few years at St. Ansgar, Iowa, Portland, Oregon and Stockton, California; and winter seasons spent from time to time in Florida and California.

Miss Closz was educated in the public schools of Webster City and took additional training in the following schools: Epworth Seminary, Epworth, Iowa, Iowa State Teachers college, Cedar Falls and Central college at Pella. Her later years of teaching in the vicinity of Stratford as well as Webster City were cherished memories.

Mary was associated with the Closz Sieve Manufacturing Company during most of the time it was operated by the family. When the Portland, Oregon and Stockton California branches were in existence she was active in those locations. After the sieve business was sold, Miss Closz was a part of the Closz Investment Co. for almost a decade.

Although travel had a part in the life experiences of Mary Closz and she had the opportunity of visiting most of the 48 states, returning to Webster City, to her, was always returning home. About two years ago she fell, suffering a broken hip. After spending much time in the local hospital and then Hillcrest Nursing Home, she was able to return to her home and eventually was able to walk again.

Her more recent short hospitalization came to a close when on the evening of May 17, 1956 she suffered a heart attack.

Surviving are one sister, Mrs. E.M. Jeffers of Webster City, two brothers, Mr. Irving N. Closz of Redlands, California, and Dr. Harold F. Closz of Muskegon, Michigan, 2 nieces, 4 nephews and a number of grandnieces and grandnephews.

She was preceded in death by sisters Cairo, Eva, Irene and one who died in infancy, two brothers, Vivian and Carl, and by her parents.

Mary received much of her religious instruction and experience within the family circle. She was a member of First Baptist church during her childhood and youth, then she became associated with what was then known as the United Brethren in Christ Church in Webster City. In this group she worshipped, prayed and labored faithfully during her more active years. One of the monuments to her witness in this fellowship is the Women's Missionary Society which she helped to establish. From its beginnings under her leadership, it has continued to grow until today it enlists the loyalty and participation of approximately 100 women. Miss Closz was also instrumental in organizing a young women's group and taught an adult class for many years. These programs she supported generously with her tithes and offerings.

It is known to many that in recent years her witness has gone to the ends of the earth through her gifts, which were large, small and frequent. They encompassed a wide range of interests from evangelistic campaigns in the local community to such broader programs a the American Sunday school Union and the American Bible Society to mention a few.

[Buried in Graceland Cemetery, Webster City, Hamilton County, Iowa]