Obituary of Mary E. Levsen

Mary Ellen Levsen, 96, of Iowa City, died on Wednesday, March 12th, at Oaknoll Retirement Residence. She was born in Olin, Iowa to Harry Levsen and Minna (Rohwedder) Levsen. Following graduation from Olin High School, she stayed on the farm where she enjoyed cooking, baking, gardening, and caring for visiting nieces and nephews. During her mother's declining years Mary cared for her at home. Following her mother's death, Mary joined her sister Doris in Iowa City. Mary volunteered at the UIHC gift shop, became an accomplished bridge player, and was a treasured neighbor in University Heights. Most important to Mary, she continued her role at the core of her extended family. In later years, she and her sister also welcomed a new generation of friends into their hearts and home. Mary was an avid reader and intensely interested in local and national politics. She was also an accomplished needleworker with a special devotion to cross stitch. One of her most beautiful works bears the words "In the loom of life let us weave joy and happy memories." And Mary did. Mary is survived by her sister and dearest friend, Doris Levsen of Iowa City, her brother, Jay Levsen of Cedar Rapids, and many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her siblings Herbert Levsen of Olin, Erna (Levsen) White of San Diego, and Joe Levsen of Olin, and her niece K.C. Levsen of Cedar Rapids. A memorial service will be held on Wednesday, March 26, at 11:00, at the Unitarian Universalist Society of Iowa City at 10 S. Gilbert St. (the corner at Iowa Ave). Rev. Stephen Protzman will officiate. Parking will be on the street, or in the ramp across Gilbert St. with entrance from Iowa Ave. Reception will follow in the church basement. Interment will be at a later date in Olin Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, gifts may be directed to the UI Foundation, P.O. Box 4550, Iowa City, IA 52244-4550 to support the Levsen Cancer Research Fund. On the memo line, please note that the gift is in memory of Mary E. Levsen.