Mary Ellen Day

Mary Ellen Day, age 70, of Postville, Iowa passed away peacefully on Thursday, January 11, 2024 at Garden View Assisted Living in Monona.

Mary was born on February 9, 1953 in Estherville, Iowa to Calvin and Gwen (Avery) Derr. She went to Starmont schools and graduated in 1971. She then married her high school sweetheart David Day on June 1, 1974 and they celebrated 38 years of marriage before David passed away on August 30, 2012.

Mary went to University of Northern Iowa, where she got her Bachelor’s Degree in teaching. Mary taught at various schools and was a long-term substitute teacher. Mary enjoyed teaching, but above all else she enjoyed spending time with her family and being a homemaker. She also enjoyed playing games, baking, attending activities of her children and grandchildren, going on vacations, maintaining a tidy household, big forks and crunchy cookies, volunteering, golfing and fishing.

Mary was a member of the Rosary Society, Club of the Hour, St. Bridget’s Catholic Church, was on the library board, delivered Meals on Wheels, was a softball coach and a CCD teacher.

Mary is survived by her children, Jeanna (Jim) Wuollet, Artie (Kari Berns) Day, Juliann (Derek) Paulus and Bruce Day; grandchildren, Alyson and Avery Wuollet, Griffin and Maverick Day, Everett and Calvin Paulus and Evelyn and Liv Day. Also survived by sister, Jenny (Troy) Brandt; brothers, Jim (Beth) Derr, Ed (Sarah) Derr; sisters-in-law, Spring (Doug) Davidson, Mariann Day, Peggy (Jon) Poppe, Diane (Jeff) Blaker, Julie (Dave) Kester and Shirley Derr and brothers-in-law, Gary Goedken and Brian (Pam) Day.

Mary was preceded in death by her husband, David; her parents; her parents-in-law, Leonard and Sadie Day; brother, Rick Derr and sister, Nancy Goedken.

A memorial visitation will be held Monday, January 22, 2024 from 4-7 pm at St. Bridget’s Catholic Church, 135 W. Williams St, Postville, IA 52162. A memorial mass will be held on Tuesday, January 23, 2024 at 10:30 am at St. Bridget’s Catholic Church where you may visit with the family one hour prior to the mass. Rev. Martin Coolidge will be the Celebrant.

Inurnment at Taylorsville Cemetery, Arlington, Iowa at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to a charity of one’s choice.

Schutte-Grau funeral home and cremation service in Postville, Iowa are assisting the family.

Click here to visit the Schutte-Grau Funeral Home website.