Mary Jane (Dlouhy) Margretz
Mary Jane (Dlouhy) Margretz
Cedar Rapids
Mary Jane (Dlouhy) Margretz, 91, of Cedar Rapids, passed away peacefully on Monday, Dec. 11, 2023, surrounded by her loving family following a brief battle with lung cancer. A Celebration of Mary’s Life will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday at Papich-Kuba Funeral Home East, 1228 Second St. SE, with granddaughters, Mary Zalesky and Jessie Arp officiating. Burial will follow at Dunkard Cemetery, Midway. Visitation will be from 9 to 11 a.m. Saturday at the funeral home.
Mary was born on Aug. 24, 1932, in Independence, Iowa, to Milo and Mary (Tauber) Dlouhy, the youngest of five children. Her childhood was spent on a farm in rural Buchanan County, attending a country school before graduating from Independence High School in 1950. Following graduation, she relocated to Cedar Rapids alongside her sister Anna Mae. Together, they enjoyed countless nights of dancing at Danceland.
In 1956, she married the love of her life, Paul Margretz, and from their union came seven children. Her most cherished role was that of a devoted mother, dedicated to raising her children. Renowned for her homemaking skills and exceptional cooking, her Sunday dinners became a cherished tradition for her family, who loved her pot roasts, potato dumplings, and Czech goulash. Her recipes continue to bring joy to the entire family.
A selfless and caring mother, Mary always prioritized her family’s needs and was a steadfast presence whenever anyone required her support. Her love extended to her 18 grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren, and the anticipation of welcoming three more great-grandchildren.
Among her passions were antiquing, tending to her garden, and the occasional visit to the casino, although the million-dollar win she hoped for never happened. Her infectious sense of humor endured until her final moments.
Mary was preceded in death by her son, Paul Michael (age 4), her parents, and her siblings, Jerry (Malinda) Dlouhy, Milo (Delores) Dlouhy, Leonard Dlouhy, and Anna Mae (Clarence) Hanson.
She is survived by her five daughters and son: Mary Paulette (Brad) Fuessley, Mark (Tracie) Margretz, Barbie Larimore, Charlie DeHook, Cindy Margretz (Doug) and Sandy Margretz.
Her memory is cherished by her 18 grandchildren: Blake (Jena) Fuessley, Brett Fuessley, Barry (Lindsey) Fuessley, Heather Margretz (Jimmy Mays), Paul Margretz (Cindy Anderson), Miranda, Mariah, Marissa Margretz, Chelsea Larimore (Josh), Mary Zalesky, Joe Zalesky, Samual DeHook, Tory (Alyssa) Donegan, Jessie (Andrew) Arp, Shane (Jo) Glenn, Clayton McConnell (Haley), Chrissy McConnell and Trevor McConnell. Additionally, she leaves behind 13 great-grandchildren: Londyn, Kennen, and Cora Fuessley, Morgan and Tayler Mays, Ariana Margretz, Roman, Amelia, and Noah Donegan, Anni, Anderson, and Audrey Arp, and Peyton Glenn.
She is also survived by her sister-in-law, Lucy Dlouhy and numerous nieces and nephews who affectionately knew her as “Toots.”
To know Mary Jane was to love her, she will be greatly missed.
In lieu of flowers, contributions in her memory may be given to the American Cancer Society.
Online condolences may be left for the family at www.papich-kubafs.com under “obituaries.”