Mary Woltzen Begeman Wells

Mary Woltzen Begeman Wells, 86 of Marion, died peacefully on Wednesday, January 29, 2020 at her apartment in Marion. Funeral Service will be held at 11:00 am Tuesday, February 4, 2020 at the United Church of Canistota. Burial will be at the Monroe Cemetery.  Visitation will be held from 5:00-7:00 PM Monday, February 3, 2020 in the chapel at the Tieszen Memorial Home in Marion. Arrangements by Hofmeister-Jones Funeral Home.

Mary Alice Woltzen was born on September 3, 1933 near Parker, SD to Harry and Alice (Baker) Woltzen.  She attended country grade school and later went on to receive her high school degree.  On June 1, 1953 she married Anthon Begeman and to this union five children were born, Ivan, Linda, Terry, Hope and Ray.  They lived on the farm, north of Parker, where she was a stay-at-home mom and farm wife. She enjoyed gardening and canning.  She later started working as a CNA, at the nursing home in Canistota.  After a few years, she was then employed at the Tieszen Home as a CNA and Med Aide, for over twenty years.  On September 23, 1988 she united in marriage to Jim Wells. The couple made their home in Canistota. They enjoyed camping, going to flea markets and taking road trips, especially to the Black Hills.  After Jim’s death in 2003 she worked part-time and enjoyed spending time with friends and traveling.  In 2012 she moved to the Washington Street Apartments, in Marion where she has lived for the past several years. Mary enjoyed spending time and having a cup of coffee with her friends at the apartments.

Mary’s greatest love was for her family, who she enjoyed cooking and baking for. She was known for her delicious pies, desserts and hand dipped candies. Mary’s gift was as in the role of a care giver, helping care for others, never wanting any attention for her efforts.  Music was a favorite past time of hers as she was self-taught on the piano, guitar and accordion.  For the past number of years, she volunteered and was a member of the Tieszen Memorial Home Auxiliary.

Grateful for having shared her life are her children, Ivan (Marsha) Begeman, Linda (Ed) Luke, all of Marion, Terry (Ann) Begeman, Spanaway, WA, Hope (Todd) Obele, Selby, SD and Ray (Nickie) Begeman, Bellevue, NE; 17 grandchildren and 15 great grandchildren; and a brother Harold (Joann) Woltzen, Everette, WA; and 2 sisters Ann (Dean) Wittrock and Darlene (Paul) Engbrecht, all of Marion.