Mary Ann Willemssen

A funeral service for Mary Ann Willemssen, age 82, of Spirit Lake, Iowa, will be held at 2:00 PM, Friday, March 20, 2026, at Downtown Church in Milford. Interment will be at Lakeview Gardens Cemetery in Okoboji. Visitation will be Thursday, March 19, 2026, from 5:00 - 7:00 PM at Turner Jenness Funeral Home in Spirit Lake.

Mary Ann Willemssen, the daughter of Leonard and Emma (Senn) Holst, was born on May 26, 1943, in Lake Park, Iowa. She graduated from high school and was united in marriage to William “Bill” Edgar Willemssen on November 14, 1964, in Harris, Iowa.

Mary worked as a secretary at Aurelia High School. Throughout her life, she lived in Harris, Cherokee, Aurelia, Storm Lake, and Spirit Lake, where she made her home since 2004.

Mary found joy in life’s simple pleasures. She loved reading and working on word search puzzles, taking walks, and watching her favorite game shows. She had a special place in her heart for her dogs and always enjoyed a good trip to Walmart or a moment sitting in the sunshine. Most of all, Mary cherished time with her family. Her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren were the center of her world, and she treasured every moment spent with them.

Mary passed away on March 14, 2026.

Those left to cherish her memory include her daughters, Becky Glienke of Lake Park and Brenda Berger of Spirit Lake; grandchildren: Dalton (Carissa) Battazzi of Spirit Lake; Alyssa Glienke of Spirit Lake; Tyler Glienke of Ocheyedan; Aubrey (Jake) Windish of Sioux Falls, SD; Kylie (Tanner) Berger of Huntsville, AL; Emily (Alberto) Báez of Eden Prairie, MN; Kelsey (Jacob) Grady of Sioux Falls, SD; great-grandchildren: Bryson and Breckyn Glienke, Jaxlynn, Trenton, and Trevor Battazzi, Kash Glienke, Evelyn Windish; sister-in-law, Myrna Willemssen; nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.

Mary was preceded in death by her husband, Bill Willemssen; son, Bill Willemssen, Jr.; her parents and brothers.