Mary Ann Stelling

Obit Mary Ann Stelling-87 of Deshler, NE

Kroll Funeral Home-Deshler

402-365-4441

Mary Ann (Brettmann) Stelling was born September 23, 1930 near Deshler, NE to Fred Carl Brettmann, Jr. and Helene Anna (Fintel) Brettmann. She passed away on Tuesday July 17, 2018 at Parkview Haven Nursing Home at the age of 87 years.

She was baptized October 12, 1930 and confirmed May 28, 1944 in Peace Lutheran Church in Deshler, NE by Pastor Fred Schwerin. She attended District 50 country school north of Deshler, Peace Lutheran Parochial school and graduated from Deshler High School May 21, 1948. Since Mary was an only child she helped with many farm chores and activities during the Great Depression. She developed a strong work ethic and desire to help others through her lifetime.

After graduating, she attended National Career Schools in Omaha, NE where she received training in Airline Communications and Stenography. In January 1949 she was employed by the FBI in Washington, DC as a switchboard operator in the Communications Section.

On May 3, 1952 she was united in marriage to Donnel Lee Stelling at Grace Lutheran Church in Washington DC by Pastor Gerhard Lenski. This union was blessed with the birth of three children. Don and Mary were married 66 years.

After her husband’s discharge from the Air Force they moved to Denver, CO where she was employed by Mountain States Telephone Co. They then moved to San Antonio, TX where she was employed by the FAA Air Route Traffic Control Center. Following the death of their son in 1961 they moved to Lincoln, NE, Bowie, MD, Portland, OR and Ft. Worth, TX as Don’s employment required. Mary worked as a school cafeteria manager, cosmetic salesperson, insurance clerk and for an aircraft company. Throughout her life she was a caring wife, mother, provider and caregiver to her family. She helped care for seven grandchildren when they were born. After Don’s retirement in 1989 they moved back to Deshler.

Mary enjoyed volunteering for Meals on Wheels, serving that program for over 40 years in Nebraska, Oregon and Texas. She was active in the TOPS organization, American Legion Auxiliary, Thayer Co. Hospital Guild, Red Cross Blood drives, church affiliations and other activities. She was an avid Husker sports fan and enjoyed ocean fishing while living in Oregon. She attended several bowling conventions as a member of “The Hurried Housewives” and enjoyed playing bridge with her friends in the Deshler area.

Mary was preceded in death by her son David Lee, parents, two infant granddaughters, and brother-in-law Leo Koch.

Family members left to mourn her passing are her husband Don of Deshler, daughters; Donita and husband David Johnson of Bowie, MD; Denise and husband Patrick Bettinger of Severn, MD; grandchildren: Daniel Johnson of Bowie, MD, Brian Johnson and wife Stephanie of Melbourne, FL; Marianne De La Torre and husband Steven of Delray Beach FL; Scott, Eric, Shannon and Sean Bettinger of Severn, MD; great grandchildren: Faith, Ryan, Emma and Noah Johnson of Melbourne, FL; sister- in-law Janet Koch of Ruskin, NE; nieces, Barbara Brettmann and husband Brad, Sue Greenwood, of Lincoln, NE, nephew Richard Koch and wife Cheryl of Hebron NE and friends.

Funeral service will be held on Friday, July 20, 2018 at 10:30 AM at Peace Lutheran Church in Deshler, NE. Officiant Rich Stevenson, organist Heidi Isernhagen, congregational hymns “Lift High The Cross”, “In The Garden” and “Amazing Grace”. Casket bearers Robert Duensing, Rich Koch, Gregg Brettmann, Brad Brettmann, Brian Isernhagen and Lyle Pitts. Visitation Thursday, July 19, 2018 from 2pm to 7pm at Kroll Funeral Home in Deshler, NE. Honorary casket bearers: Daniel Johnson, Brian Johnson, Marianne Johnson, Scott Bettinger, Eric Bettinger, Shannon Bettinger, and Sean Bettinger. Interment will be at Deshler City Cemetery, memorials in lieu of flowers in care of the family can sent to Denise Bettinger at 1423 Norcross Lane Severn, MD 21144. Condolences may be sent to www.krollfh.com Kroll Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

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