DESMET, Mary Ann (Kloiber) 1925-1998

DESMET, KLOIBER, DECESARE

Posted By: Stacy De Smet (email)
Date: 5/10/2004 at 22:35:39

Mary DeSmet, who loved volunteer work, dies at 73
by Kelly Treadway
Argus Leader Staff

Larchwood, Iowa -- Mary DeSmet volunteered extensively in the Sioux Falls and Larchwood communities, and very few people knew of her efforts, said her husband, Leonard.

Mrs. DeSmet was a quiet person who wanted to help others but didn't expect any recognition in return.

Mary Ann DeSmet, 73, a former farmer and bookkeeper, died Tuesday, April 7, 1998, in McKennan Hospital in Sioux Falls.

Mrs. DeSmet enjoyed traveling to Sioux Falls to help out at Children's Care Hospital & School, her husband said. One of their sons is disabled, and it was rewarding for Mrs. DeSmet to use her experience to help other children with disabilities, Mr. DeSmet said.

Mrs. DeSmet also volunteered for the CCD program at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Larchwood, doing secretarial work for 20 years. She assisted with the Dinner Date program in Larchwood that delivered meals to senior citizens.

"She did so many things behind the scenes," said her son Mark DeSmet of Larchwood. "Many will remember her visiting sick people in the hospital. She put a very high value on volunteer work."

Mrs. DeSmet made a point to stay in touch with her family and friends, her son said. Mark DeSmet spent the last few days trying to contact nearly 200 people listed in his mother's address book.

"She placed a high value on personal relationships and was a good friend," Mark DeSmet said. "She grew up during the Depression when that's all a person had was their family and friends, and she placed her value structure on that."

Mrs. DeSmet enjoyed playing cards, and the couple played in the same card club for nearly 40 years. In earlier years, she bowled with her husband. She also enjoyed crocheting and knitting.

Mary Ann Kloiber was born Jan. 19, 1925 in Parkston, where she graduated from high school. She attended Nettleton College in Sioux Falls, and South Dakota State University in Brookings.

After college she lived in Sioux Falls. She worked for Roberts and Cook Realty for one year and at International Harvester for three years. She worked at Reinhard Brothers for two years and at the Veterans Administration in the loan guaranty division for three years.

She married Leonard DeSmet on Jan. 9, 1954, in Sioux Falls. They lived in Sioux Falls for a short time and later moved to a farm north of Larchwood. She worked part time for Vans Upholstery as a bookkeeper. They moved into town in 1995.

She was a member of St. Mary's Catholic Church, the Altar Society, National Catholic Society of Foresters Court No. 315 and the Flessner American Legion Auxiliary Post No. 561.

In addition to her husband and son, survivors include two other sons: Timoth of Sheldon, Iowa; and Lt. Cmdr. Paul of Norfolk, VA; on daughter, retired Lt. Col. Elaine DeCesare of San Antonio; two grandchildren; and three brothers: Raymond of Syracuse, N.Y.; William of Sioux Falls; and Lawrence of Minneapolis.

Funeral Mass will begin at 1:30 p.m. MOnday in St. Mary's Catholic Church, Larchwood, with burial in the Larchwood Cemetery.

Visitation will be from 2 to 9 p.m. Sunday in Roste Funeral Home, Larchwood, with the family present from 7 to 8:30 p.m.

There will also be a 5 p.m. rosary and a 7:30 p.m. prayer service that day.