In remembrance of Mary’s life, a visitation will be held from noon to 1:30 P.M. at Mitchell Family Funeral Home in Marshalltown with a service at 1:30 P.M. Following the service, family and friends may accompany Mary to her rest at Riverside Cemetery in Marshalltown. Memorials in Mary’s name may be directed to her family for a later designation. For additional information or to send a condolence to the family please visit www.mitchellfh.com or call 641-844-1234.

Mary Van Dusen came into the world June 9, 1931 in Vail, Iowa. She was the youngest of three children born to William and Bertha (Koester) Van Dusen. She attended school in Vail where she excelled in track, basketball and chorus.

After graduation from Vail High School in May 1949, Mary accepted her first job with Montgomery Ward in Denison, Iowa. It was in Denison where she met her future husband, Buryle “Nick” Knickerbocker. Consequently, joining him in marriage on November 18, 1951, in Mary’s hometown of Vail, Iowa. It was a marriage that lasted 70 years. The early years of their marriage were spent in Newton, Perry and Carroll, Iowa, establishing permanent roots in Marshalltown in 1966. Along the way, they managed to raise five children, Mary Lynn, Steven, Clark, Ann and Lana.

Mary was never one to sit still for long, so in addition to raising her family she worked at Tempo Department Store and later at Earl May Garden Center. She was also a certified Home Health Aide. Her creativity found an outlet in floral arranging, which she put to good use at the Riverside Cemetery Flower Shop until her retirement.

Mary remained active in her children’s lives. She spent time as an Assistant Girl Scout leader as well as a member of the PTA. She and Nick were members of the First United Methodist Church in Marshalltown where Mary served as part of the Ladies Auxiliary.

Mary was known to be an excellent cook and baker. Many of her creations found their way to church potlucks and school events. She was also an accomplished seamstress. Mary had a kind and compassionate heart, giving of her time and resources to family, friends and community. She took care of her aging parents. When her daughter fell ill, she helped to raise her granddaughter. She believed that everyone should have at least one present at Christmas so she frequented the local giving trees and gave what she could to others.

Mary also enjoyed nature. She kept bird feeders and loved to work in the garden. She found joy in rescuing sick plants and maintained a collection of lilies. When she reached Harmony nursing home last August, she made the most of her time there, playing games with fellow residents and family, and singing at facility church services. She gave smiles and love to all who cared for her there and they loved her back.

Those left to cherish her memory are her children, Mary Lynn Knickerbocker, Steve (Kathy) Knickerbocker, Clark (Carol) Knickerbocker, Ann (Ed) Seuferer and Lana Knickerbocker; her grandchildren, Elizabeth Knickerbocker, Kristine Mason, Julianne Mason, Andrew Knickerbocker, Sydney Seuferer and Taylor (Josh) Bear; six great grandchildren; and her nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband Buryle “Nick” Knickerbocker; her parents, William and Bertha Van Dusen; and her sisters, Dorothy Marten and Elma Jensen.