Marie Greder

Marie Ann Fredericks Greder, a selfless woman whose grace, easy wit and dignity set a standard for a more than 40_member family, passed away Sunday, January 15, 2012 in Ames, Iowa. She was 87.
Marie married Vernon Greder on February 22, 1945, and gave birth to five children Kay, Linda, Frederic, Rodney and Daniel. From a white farmhouse in the hills of Washington Township, Marie was a skilled homemaker and loving mother. Her petite hands were always caring for her family by cooking supper, washing the kids clothes, cleaning the home, setting an example through faith in God or sharing important parental advice. As her children gave her 15 grandchildren, and they provided 11 great_grandchildren, Marie remained tireless. She would welcome the entire family to her and Vernons home in Buck Grove, taking tremendous pride in providing for them. If she could be pried from the kitchen, she would be sure to grab a tray of Christmas cookies on her way to the living room. Regardless of how much you ate for supper, you couldnt resist her menu of the familys favorite cookies. One grandchild said, "Coming to her house was like coming to a resort."
As she lost her parents before the age of 16, Marie insured that her children and grandchildren knew the steadfast love she had for them. When her granddaughters married, Marie gifted embroidered quilts. And in the last year, with the help of Maries friend, Anna Lackman and daughter_in_law, Rhonda Greder, each grandchild has received a quilt. Maries focus on her family was displayed with her efforts to attend each graduation, confirmation, wedding and reunion. Her thoughtfulness was displayed with genuine questions on the details in each family members life. As one grandchild said, "She was a strong woman who acted unselfishly." Her care knew no bounds. When Vernon was buried in Denison on a chilly November day, one of her sons commented about how it was nice that the sun was shining at the cemetery. She replied about how she didnt want to leave her husband out in the cold.
In three decades, they built a family through farm work and faith. Marie set an example as an active member of congregations at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Dow City or St. Johns Lutheran Church in Buck Grove. She also was a Sunday school teacher and member of the Ladies Aid. When the children were grown, she began cleaning for others. Marie worked at the Crawford County Home for ten years as a cook and certified medical assistant. In 66 years of marriage, Marie and Vernon were rarely apart.
Marie and Vernon moved from the farm to Buck Grove in 1985. Despite profound determination to remain independent, Marie and Vernon each moved to Eventide in Denison in 2011. Their deaths were only seven weeks apart.
Marie was born on May 15, 1924 to Fred Fredericks and Lizzie Vogt. She lived in Hanover Township and was educated through the eighth grade at the Lutheran school. She was baptized and confirmed at St. Paul Lutheran Church. When her parents died, her uncle Emil Vogt provided a home for Marie and her younger sister Helen.
Preceding her in death are three brothers, William, Harry and Leroy and two sisters, Laura and Minnie. Survivors include her sister, Helen (Ray), and her children: Kay (Stan); Linda (Bill); Frederic (Marty) ; Rodney (Rhonda).; Daniel (Kim). Her grandchildren are: Kristen (Mark); Jon(Vanessa).; Jennifer; Melissa (Jose).; Elizabeth (Jeff); Nicholas (Ashley; Kate; Andrew; Lucas; David; AnnaLisa(Nick); Alarie, Wesley, Will, Abigail .