Wistrom, Mary Louise Jun 28, 1939 - Jan 12, 2019 Preceded in death by husband, Raymond. Survived by daughter, Jackie Zinnel (Randy); sons, Jeffrey (Deb), Robert (Sheila); 7 grandchildren; 9 great-grandchildren; and brothers, Tom Mallette (Sandy), Tim Mallette (Donna), and Jack Mallette (Darlene). SERVICES: Wednesday 12Noon at West Center Chapel. Family Interment in Blair Cemetery. Memorials to West Hills Church. HEAFEY-HOFFMANN-DWORAK- CUTLER, WEST CENTER CHAPEL 7805 W. Center Rd. 402-391-3900 www.heafeyheafey.com

Mary Louise Wistrom

June 28, 1939 – January 12, 2019

Services: Wednesday, January 16, 2019 at 12:00 noon at the West Center Chapel. Family Interment: Blair Cemetery. Memorials are suggested to West Hills Church.

Mary Louise Mallette was born on June 28, 1939, in Blair, Nebraska. Mary was the third of eight children born to Geraldine and Omar Mallette. Mary grew up on farms in rural Kennard, Hooper and Uehling, Nebraska, attending school in a one room country school house and services at Alter Grove Church. Mary’s cooking skills began while helping her mother prepare meals for their large family.

Mary met Ray Wistrom through friends. They were married on June 24, 1956, following high school graduation. They moved to Omaha where they raised three children. The family joined Westminster Presbyterian Church where the children were confirmed in faith and developed long-time treasured friendships.

Tent camping became one of the family weekend activities, along with regular visits to Grandma and Grandpa Mallette’s farm.

Mary began working when the children were older, first at Woolworth’s as a lunch waitress, then in the infant and children’s department at Richmond Gordman stores. She later worked as a clerk for National Indemnity Insurance Company, working her way into an underwriting position. Mary came out of an early retirement to work at Master Card Insurance Call Center until her health required her to quit at age 72.

Throughout her life, Mary enjoyed volunteering. She was a Brownie Scout Leader, supported Boy Scouts activities, was a church youth group leader and a Hospice volunteer. Mary was a member of Sweet Adelines and enjoyed traveling throughout the U. S. performing with this special and talented group of vocalists. Mary and Ray loved playing cards with friends, square dancing, and camping. They had a permanent camping space at Lake Okoboji. They spent many years camping with friends, entertaining and spoiling their seven grandchildren. They also were blessed to travel to many parts of the country. Some of Mary’s favorite trips with Ray were to Glacier Park, Canada, Lake Michigan, Las Vegas, and Coeur d’Alene, Idaho to name a few.

In 1998 Mary and Ray joined West Hills Presbyterian Church, where she participated in choir and served others as a Stephen’s Minister. Mary and Ray were part of a loving life group, cherishing their Pastor and all the caring friends they made. Their West Hills family continued to support and share their time with Mary and Ray, visiting and bringing communion. These visits meant so much to both Mary and Ray, especially as Mary’s life revolved around providing care for Ray, and eventually, tending to her own health needs.

On Ray’s passing, Mary said, “Every time the sun shines, I’ll know that’s you Ray, shining happiness on us.”

Today we celebrate Mom’s reunion in Heaven with Dad and with her family and friends who have gone before, as the light of Jesus shines in peace and joy.

~~~ Obituary courtesy of the Washington County Genealogical Society. Newspaper clippings on file in the Blair Public Library at Blair, Nebraska.~~~

Find a Grave Memorial # 196040293