Mary Kay Hamilton
Mary Kay Hamilton, age 80 of Clarence, passed away peacefully at her home after a battle with cancer with her husband at her side on Sunday June 1, 2025. A memorial service will be held at St. John’s United Church of Christ in Clarence on Tuesday June 10, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. with Pastor Janet Shotwell officiating. Visitation will also be at the church from 9:00 until service time. Burial will be in St. John’s Cemetery at a later date.
Mary Kay, daughter of Paul (Pike) and Evelyn (Oldorf) Hasselbusch was born on November 29, 1944 in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. She grew up on what is now recognized as a Century Farm in Iowa. Mary Kay graduated from Clarence High School with the class of 1963. She participated in all musical activities and sports – especially enjoying 6 on 6 basketball where she once scored 32 points…even before the 3 point shot! She was very active in 4-H for many years – serving as County President. She attended the University of Iowa for 2 years before being a stay at home mom. Mary was active in many organizations, including Lend-A-Hand-Circle, youth choir director, adult choir member, Sunday School teacher, Cub Scout Leader, Federated Women’s Club, and was an original building committee member of St. John’s Church. She eventually worked at Jameson Corp., Jack B. Kelly Trucking for 13 years and Hertz Farm Management for 10 years before retiring in 2010.
Mary Kay met her future husband, Gary Hamilton of Burlington, Iowa on Match.com and they have been married for 17 years. After her retirement, they enjoyed snowbirding in Arizona, where they enjoyed golfing and socializing with friends. Other activities that she enjoyed were gardening and volunteering for city beautification in Clarence. She also enjoyed crosswords, cooking, trying new recipes, yard saling, home decorating, dancing to country music, playing pool with the “Chix with Stix” gals, and cruising in their 1966 Mustang convertible with the convertible group “Tastefully Topless”. Mary Kay enjoyed spending time with family and her many cousins, and loved getting together with reunions as often as possible. She was an avid sports fan, especially following the NDSU Bison football team, where her twin grandsons played. The Hawkeyes and the Cubs were big favorites also.
Mary Kay is survived by her husband Gary; three sons Chad (Colette) Mostaert of Clarence, Troy (Tracey) Mostaert of Lakeville, MN, and Trent (Cheri) Mostaert of Rogers, MN; step-daughter Lynne (Reiner) Gotz of Longmont, CO; five grandchildren Hannah and Haley (Matthew) Mostaert of Clarence, Riley (Drew), Will (Alexis) and Eli (Allyse) Mostaert of Lakeville, MN; three step-grandchildren Ben (Arian), Jake and Elliott McNaboe of Rogers, MN; one brother Allan (Janann) Hasselbusch of Clarence and ex-husband and father of her 3 sons Ken Mostaert of Lowden.
She was preceded in death by her parents and sister-in-law Peg Hasselbusch.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the family for a future tribute to Mary Kay. Cards may be sent to Gary at 511B 10th Ave. Clarence, Iowa 52216.