Obituary of Mary S. Anderson

Mary S. Anderson, age 78 of Iowa City, formerly of Knoxville, Iowa died Tuesday, October 1, 2024, at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics in Iowa City.

Mary Schanke Anderson was born June 26, 1946, in Neenah, Wisconsin the daughter of Don and Jane (Turkow) Schanke. Mary, and her younger siblings Carol and Nancy, were raised in Neenah. Following graduation from high school, Mary attended UW-Madison where she studied Medical Technology and met her soon to be husband, Gary, whom she joined in marriage in June 1968. After initially living in Chicago, they soon moved to Knoxville, Iowa with their two young children, Mike and Matt.

For the next 49 years the Andersons lived in Knoxville. Once the children were older, Mary resumed her career in medical technology, specializing in microbiology at the Knoxville VA. Church was a life-long priority and Mary was a founding member of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Knoxville. Mary endlessly supported her family. As needed, she equally wore the hat of a Scout Den Mother, pitcher/catcher/outfielder, chaperone, or adventurer. She never missed a game, concert, or teacher conference.  Mary prioritized family vacations, spending one week every summer with the extended family on a lake vacation in the Wisconsin north woods, and another week exploring new places, often National Parks.

Mary supported many charities, especially the international exchange student program of Rotary, church sewing group, and PEO. There were 6 grandchildren, spoiled often. Later, Mary and Gary enjoyed international travel.  Following the death of Gary after 54 years of marriage, Mary moved to Melrose Meadows in Iowa City, and was thankful for the loving friendship of this community.

Mary is survived by her son, Mike; daughter-in-law, Kathi; granddaughter, Samantha, grandson, Garth, grandson, Mateo; son, Matt; daughter-in-law, Jen; grandson, Gabriel, granddaughter, Rebecca; sister and her husband, Nancy Schanke and Pete Gasper, nephew, Jessie, niece, Erin; sister and her husband, Carol and Kent Miller; nephew Zach, and niece Hannah;

Mary was preceded in death by her parents, husband, and grandson, Christian.

The family is having a private family funeral. To share a thought, memory or condolence with her family please visit Gay & Ciha Funeral and Cremation Service website @ www.gayandciha.com. The family thanks you for your prayers and suggests memorials be made to Good Shepherd Lutheran Church of Knoxville, Iowa.