Mary E. Erger (1930-2020)

ERGER, ROWE

Posted By: Ken Wright (email)
Date: 12/24/2020 at 13:27:10

Mary E. Erger, 90, of
Cedar Rapids, passed away peacefully on Thursday, Dec. 17, 2020, at the Dennis and Donna Oldorf Hospice House. Mary was born on Nov. 23, 1930, in Creston, Iowa, to O.E. (Mark) and Helen Markitan. She was christened Mary Ellen and raised in Solon, Iowa. Mary graduated from Solon High School and Mount Mercy Junior College, where she roomed with her future sister-in-law, Florine (Erger) Rowe.
Mary married Donald R. (Bob) Erger on Oct. 10, 1953, at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Solon. For most of their married life, Bob and Mary lived in Fairfax, Iowa, where they raised their five children.
Mary worked for Fairfax State Savings Bank for 25 years, retiring in January 1999. She was a Charter Member of the Fairfax Library and served on the Library Board for eight years. Mary was a member of St. Jude Catholic Church in Cedar Rapids, St. Agnes Circle and the St. Jude Bible Study Group. Mary also belonged to the Widow and Widowers Club and the Cedar Rapids Sewing Guild. She volunteered at the Aid to Women retail shop, Treasures and the Grateful Grannies Group – an organization that helped disadvantaged children.
In addition to her parents, Mary was preceded in death by her husband, Bob, who passed away on Dec. 20, 1997, after a long illness, as well as her brother-in-law, Don Erusha.
Mary is survived by two sons, Steve (Linda) Erger of Reno, Nev., and Jim (Tatiana) Erger of Cumming, Ga.; and three daughters, Cindy (Dave) Zipperer of Cedar Rapids, Jean (Mike) Macke of Oak Park, Calif., and Lisa (John) Clarahan of Cedar Rapids. Mary is also survived by 12 grandchildren, Brad Erger, Allison (Adam) Crichton and Dr. Amy Erger; Hannah and Kurtis Erger; Alyssa Zipperer; Nick (Kelly), John and Ryan Macke; and Whitney (Thad) Washburn, Kelsey and Logan Clarahan. In addition to her children and grandchildren, Mary's three great-grandchildren brought her a lot of joy during the last years of her life, Mason and Stella Washburn and Nora Crichton. Mary's survivors also include her sister, Rose Ann (Ed) Bowers of Tucson, Ariz.; brother, John (Dianne) Markitan of Martinsville, Ind.; as well as her extended family, Rita Erusha of Solon, Ken and Ginger Erger of Cedar Rapids, and Florine and Clair Rowe of Cedar Falls.
Mary devoted her life to raising and loving her family and living her faith. She will be missed dearly by all who knew her.
Her family extends their heartfelt appreciation to the kind and professional staff at the Dennis and Donna Oldorf Hospice House.
Due to the current pandemic, Mary will be buried after a private funeral ceremony.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Xavier High School or St. Jude Catholic Church. Teahen Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.
Online condolences may be left for the family at www.teahenfuneralhome.com