Mary J. Viter, 96, passed away April 10, 2023, Hallmark Care Center, Mount Vernon.
Funeral Service was held at 10:30 a.m. Monday, April 17, 2023, Lisbon United Methodist; Pastor Josh Swaim officiated. Visitation was held one hour prior to services at the church. Burial: Mount Vernon Cemetery. Stewart Baxter Funeral & Memorial Services, Mount Vernon are caring for Mary’s family.
Mary J., the daughter of Oland W. and Daisy Fern Kolosiek Brawner, was born March 3, 1927, in Cedar Rapids. She grew up in Cedar Rapids, then moved to Mount Vernon to attend high school. Mary graduated from Mount Vernon High School in 1944. After high school, Mary moved to Chicago, and worked for Western Union, until the end of the war.
During World War II, Mary met, through letter writing, a young man from Nebraska. He was serving his country in the Pacific. Upon his return at the war’s conclusion, this man didn’t get off his train until it arrived in Chicago. Mary was united in marriage to Ward Viter, Dec. 10, 1945, in Chicago. The couple made their home in Milwaukee, and later Clinton. Mary and Ward then moved to Mount Vernon, in 1953. In Mount Vernon, they were blessed to raise a family. Mary worked as a housewife and mother. When their children were grown, she began Viter Upholstery in Mount Vernon and Lisbon. Mary owned and operated the business for thirty years.
Mary’s communities were very important to her. The ambulance service in Lisbon and Mount Vernon became her cause. Mary was key to the success and growth of the Lisbon Mount Vernon Ambulance Service. Her fund raising helped purchase numerous essential supplies, most notably, two new ambulance vehicles. Mary was presented an award by the communities of Lisbon and Mount Vernon, for her tireless, life-long work. Mary did find time for several hobbies. She enjoyed needlework, crochet, but, most warmly, playing cards. The family fondly spoke of her love of playing Cribbage. Mary also enjoyed putting together puzzles.
Mary is survived by two children, Gary, Mount Vernon; Cindy (Paula), Jefferson; son-in-law, John Heims, Mount Vernon; sister-in-law, Hilda Brawner, Mount Vernon; five grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; nine great-great-grandchildren; many other relatives, and friends.
She is preceded in death by her parents, husband, Ward in 2004; daughter, Marsha in 2022; daughter-in-law, LeAnn; two, brothers, Arnold, Dean; and sister, Melba.
A memorial fund has been established in Mary’s name and is to be directed to the Lisbon-Mount Vernon Ambulance Service, 730 First Street SE, Mount Vernon, Iowa, 52314.
Visit Mary’s Tribute Wall and share your support and memories with her family at, www.stewartbaxter.com, under Obituaries.