Moran, Dr. Marcene R (Mrs. Francis) 1936-2021

MORAN, STAPENHORST, AUCHSTETTER

Posted By: Marjorie Brunsting-Volunteer (email)
Date: 6/13/2021 at 20:33:37

Dr. Marcene Moran, 84, of Sioux Falls, SD passed away on Thursday, January 21, 2021 at Avera Prince of Peace in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.

Funeral Mass will be 11:00 am Wednesday, January 27, at the Church of St. Mary, 2109 S. 5th Ave., Sioux Falls, SD with burial by her husband, Francis, at St. Michael Cemetery.

Visitation with the family present to greet friends will be from 5:00 – 7:00 pm Tuesday, January 26, with a Wake Service beginning at 6:30 pm at Miller Funeral Home – Downtown, 507 S. Main Ave., Sioux Falls, SD. Masks are required at both events.

Marcene was born on July 20, 1936 to Lawrence and Agatha (Stapenhorst) Auchstetter in Hospers, IA. Marcene grew up in Hospers, graduating from nearby St. Mary’s Academy in Alton, IA. She studied at Presentation School of Nursing receiving her R.N. in 1957. Her greatest satisfaction was working in the psychiatric services as a student and realized that mental health care was her future.

She married Francis Moran on June 18, 1960 at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church in Hospers and the couple made their home in Sioux City, IA. Marcene became an instructor of Psychiatric Nursing at St. Joseph Mercy School of Nursing.

She was elected as the President of the Iowa Nurses Association in 1984. After her tenure as president she remained a strong advocate for nursing and had an active role in legislation related to nursing. She was present when Governor Terry Branstad signed a special proclamation honoring all nurses in the State of Iowa and served as U.S. Senator Tom Harkin’s representative for Northwest Iowa, advising him on health care issues related to nursing.

Inspired to broaden her horizons, she received a Bachelor’s degree in psychology from Westmar College, a Master’s degree in clinical psychology and a Doctorate degree in educational psychology at the University of South Dakota. She became a licensed psychologist and administered psychiatric services at Mercy Hospital.

In 1988 Marcene and her family relocated to Sioux Falls, SD. She was recruited by Avera McKennan Hospital to redesign and modernize their psychiatric services. She continued as the Director of Behavior Health there through 2001.

During this time, Marcene was involved in bringing the AIDS blanket for display at Vermillion, SD and was a board member for the National Association for Rural Mental Health and AgriWellness, Inc. She spent many years providing behavior health services and training to farm and ranch families in South Dakota and elsewhere.

Dr. Moran’s passion for teaching and helping others never waned. In 2002, after a very short “retirement” she became the Director of Catholic Family Services, Diocese of Sioux Falls and developed the Center for Grieving and Loss.

Throughout her career, Marcene received many awards for her leadership and contributions to improving behavioral health care. She continued directing seminars and educational programs on managing stress and grief until the very end of her life.

Marcene was very close to her siblings Lorraine, Marvin and James. Together they and their spouses traveled the world calling themselves “The Big 8”. She loved to laugh and celebrate all holidays.

Survivors include her three children; Michael Moran of Flagstaff, AZ, Kelly Moran of Los Angeles, CA, Mark (Susan) Moran of Sioux City, IA; and two grandchildren, Brennan Moran and Aidan Moran.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Francis Moran; a sister, Lorraine Becker; two brothers, Marvin and James Auchstetter.

The family asks that in lieu of flowers, donations be directed to The St. Dymphna Fund c/o Catholic Family Services, 523 N Duluth Ave., Sioux Falls, SD. 57104.

Source: Miller Funeral Home online obituary.