Mary Elizabeth Dusterhoft (1938-2021)

DUSTERHOFT, HAUNSPERGER

Posted By: Ken Wright (email)
Date: 5/25/2021 at 21:21:35

Mary Elizabeth Dusterhoft
July 24, 1938 - April 12, 2021

Mary Elizabeth (Haunsperger) Dusterhoft of Cedar Rapids, Iowa passed away April 12, 2021 in Buffalo, Minnesota following her struggle with dementia. Mary was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She was a good friend to many.

Memorial Mass will be Friday, April 23rd at 10:00 a.m., St. Patrick Catholic Church, Cedar Rapids, Iowa, with inurnment to follow at Mt. Calvary Cemetery. Brosh Chapel and The Avacentre in Cedar Rapids is in charge of arrangements.

Mary is survived by her 6 children; Mona (John) Duggan, Basehor, Kansas; Teresa (Jeff) Kapler, Plymouth, Minnesota; Kathy Dusterhoft (Kyle Harmer), Longville, Minnesota; Mary Pat (Scott) Geddes, Coon Rapids, Minnesota; John (Daniela) Dusterhoft, Teresopolis, Brazil; and Ann (Brad) Waltermyer, Cedar Rapids, Iowa; brothers, John and Bill Haunsperger; sister, Connie Jones; 16 grandchildren, 8 great-grandchildren and 2 more great-grandchildren on their way.

Mary will be welcomed into heaven by her loving husband, John “Dusty”, her parents, John and Evalee Haunsperger, her baby daughter, Anne Marie, and two infant grandchildren, Joseph and Micki Duggan.

Mary was born in Marshalltown, Iowa on July 24, 1938. She met the love her life, John Dusterhoft, while working for Merchants National Bank in Cedar Rapids, and they were married on May 16,1959. Their obvious love for each other was a wonderful example for so many.

Mary and Dusty were members of St. Patrick Catholic Church where Mary generously volunteered her time to both the church and school including eucharistic minister, the RCIA and bingo programs, and she occasionally sang with the funeral choir. She also assisted with faith retreats, and she coached volleyball.

Mary was a great homemaker and a wonderful cook. She hosted many parties and family get-togethers and had a knack for making holidays special.

Mary helped Dusty support the family when the kids were young by working as a skilled seamstress. She made custom drapery and clothing including vestments for priests, choir dresses for the school and many of her daughters’ prom and wedding dresses. Mary also worked as a secretary for the Archdiocese until she retired.

Mary was a role model to her kids and grandkids. She was sympathetic and attentive in their time of need. Mary traveled countless miles to show her love and compassion for her family.

Mary was a lot of fun. In addition to entertaining, she loved to play golf, fish, camp, play cards and bet on the horses or dogs. Mary also loved to play Scrabble with anyone who was up to the challenge. She loved to see and spend time with her kids and grandkids. Mary loved life and you could tell by the way she celebrated it. Her love for life was contagious. Like Dusty, she embraced the values of faith, family and friends. Family meant everything to Mary.

Special thanks to the following communities and services for their support and loving care of our mother: Garnett Place, Unity Point Palliative Care and To the Rescue Home Services in Cedar Rapids; and Park View Care Center and Guardian Angels Hospice Services in Buffalo, MN.

Memorials may be directed to Linn County Veterans Affairs, 1240 26th Avenue Ct., SW, Cedar Rapids, IA 52404.