Mary F. Laughlin was born in Rockwell City, Iowa on October 14, 1940; the daughter of Mary Alice (Collison) and Ernest Feld. Mary entered into eternal peace on Friday, January 2, 2009 at Mercy Hospital in Des Moines, Iowa.
Mary was blessed with not just one, but two mothers during her life. When Mary was less than a month old, her mother Mary Alice passed away. When Margaret Taylor was united in marriage to Mary's father, she not only became a wife, but also a dear mother to Mary. She loved and cared for Mary, along with the 10 other children she and Ernie were blessed to have. The family remained in Rockwell City where Mary was raised. She attended school in Rockwell City and graduated from Rockwell City High School with the Class of 1959. Following graduation, Mary studied at Mankato Commercial College, and was a Comptometer at Standard Oil in Des Moines and Kansas City from 1960 to 1964. Upon moving to Imogene in 1964, she worked for Dr. J.P. Emge in Shenandoah as his receptionist, until January of 1969.
On November 28, 1964 she was united in marriage to Edward L. Laughlin at St. Francis of Assisi Church in Rockwell City, Iowa. The couple made their home on a farm near Imogene. They were later blessed with three sons; Douglas, Matthew and Ryan. In 1971 the family moved to a farm near Emerson, Iowa.
As a devoted wife and mother, Mary kept busy tending to her family and being active in the community. She was a member of the Nishna Valley Band Mothers, Nishna Valley Athletic Boosters, assisted with the boys 4-H club, as well as helped with the Boy Scout Club. She was also a member of St. Patrick's Catholic Church, the Altar Society where she served a term as President and taught CCD Classes for many years.
In her younger years Mary enjoyed attending her children's school activities, bowling and playing bridge. She was well known for her baking and her family always looked forward to when she made her famous marshmallow brownies. She enjoyed spending time with her family, and especially her beloved grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her natural mother Mary Alice, her father Ernest, husband Edward, brother Louis, sister in infancy Mary Ellen Feld, father-in-law Matthew J. Laughlin, brother-in-law Earnest Zierke, sister-in-law Blanche Laughlin and niece Kristi Zierke. Those left to cherish her memory include her sons Doug Laughlin of Ankeny,IA, Matt Laughlin and wife Gay, and Ryan Laughlin and fianc Carrie Myers both of Des Moines, IA ; grandchildren Damian Laughlin, Grady Laughlin, Maisie Laughlin and Jack Laughlin; mother Margaret Feld; brothers Tom Feld and wife Louise, John Feld and wife Sue, Jim Feld and wife Pam, Paul Feld and wife Sandi, and Joe Feld and wife Barb;sister Ann Zierke, Joan Owens and husband Warren, Jane LaValley and husband Joe and Lori Bonnstetter; mother-in-law Helen Laughlin; many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
A Mass of Christian Burial was held at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, January 7, 2009 at St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Imogene, Iowa with Father Ken Gross celebrating the mass. Marge McDonald and Deanna Jennings cared for the flowers while Karen Gee and JoAnn Hinz attended to the register book. Ushers for the service were Frank Jardon and Jack Harbor. Kim Troxel served as pianist while Joe LaValley served as Cantor. Joan Laughlin assisted as Lector, Mark and Susan Laughlin brought forth the gifts, Carol Laughlin assisted father as an Eucharistic Minister, and Devin and Joni Laughlin were altar servers. Casket Bearers for the service were Tom Feld, John Feld, Jim Feld,Paul Feld, Joe Feld and Curt Zierke. Honorary Casket Bearers were Delores Maher, Pat Doyle, Shirley Ruckdashel and Mary Ellen McKibbon. Burial followed at Mt. Calvary Cemetery in rural Imogene, Iowa. Memorials may be directed to the St. Patrick's Catholic Church Building Fund, The St. Patrick's Altar Society, or to the family.