Mary Louise Wallander

Mary L. Wallander, 93, passed away peacefully Sunday, February 11, 2018 in West Des Moines, IA. Mary was born in Omaha on December 28th, 1924 to Gustave and Farra Carlson. She married her husband of 58 years; William in 1947 in Omaha, together they had three children. In 1962 the family moved to Grand Island and finally, in 1967 to Des Moines. Mary took up golf and bridge while in Grand Island and continued playing both at the Des Moines Golf & Country Club where she was a member for over 50 years. Through the years Mary volunteered at a local hospital and was a member of Aksarben Chapter #277 O.E.S.in Omaha and was a 25+ year member of the Des Moines PEO Chapter HE. Mary also enjoyed sewing, crossword puzzles, home decorating and shopping with her daughter Jeanne. Mary is survived by her three children, Jeanne (Kevin) Drury, Ankeny, Bill (Kathy) Wallander, Audubon, and Sheryl Casey, Cedar Rapids. Also surviving are 5 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren and many nieces, nephews, extended family and her kitty, Trixie Ann. Mary was preceded in death by her husband, Bill, her parents, brother Bob Carlson and his wife Elsie, sister Lois Meyer and her husband Calvin; and a grandson, Matthew Wallander. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Animal Rescue League of Iowa. A special thanks for Peggy Van Kirk from PEO and to all the staff of Bickford Living in West Des Moines. Services for Mary will be Friday, February 16, 2018 at 2:30 pm at Caldwell Parrish Funeral Home in Urbandale. Visitation will start at 1:30 pm. Mary’s Life in her own words: Mary Louise Wallander, nee Marilouise Carlson Born: December 28, 1924 to parents Gustave and Farra (Hubanks) Carlson Baptized and confirmed a Lutheran. Married William Haarmann Wallander May 29th, 1947 at Augustana Lutheran Church in Omaha Lived in Omaha until 1962—moved to Grand Island—then Des Moines in 1967 3 children: Sheryl Ann (William R.) Casey, William S. (Kathy) Wallander, Jeanne Marie (Kevin) Drury Was a “Stay-at-home Mom” and homemaker; always there for her children, always ready to help, as a Brownie leader, Camp Fire leader, Den mother, room mother, PTA, etc. Found time to volunteer at Children’s Hospital, Red Cross, Art Center and others. Sports were dominate in my life, as an avid bowler, golfer, (had a secret crush on Freddie Couples) and followed the Chicago Cubs, Iowa State and Nebraska Football. Loved Handwork—knitting, crocheting, crafts and sewing. Sewed “Surplices” for two ministers in Omaha and Grand Island. Worked crossword puzzles, read books, loved to play bridge (belonged to many bridge clubs over the years). Was a member of Omaha Eastern Star (Chapter #277), Des Moines P.E.O. Chapter HE, Des Moines Golf & Country Club (50 years). Loved her family and friends!! Survived by: Daughters; Sheryl Casey, Cedar Rapids, Jeanne Drury (Kevin), Ankeny Son: William (Kathy), Audubon 5 grandchildren David Wallander, Erin (Stephen) Hodgin, Michelle Casey, Ryan (Amy) Casey and Quinn Casey, 11 great-grandchildren, cousins, nieces & nephews and a host of friends Preceded in death by: Her parents; husband Bill; brother Robert Carlson and his wife Elsie; sister Lois and her husband Calvin Meyer; grandson Matthew Wallander; son-in-law, William Casey; son-in-law, Todd Gfeller; as well as a very special friend Jerry Watts.