In Memory of Mary L. Auen

Mary L. Auen, age 67, of Dubuque, Iowa (formerly of Ida Grove, Iowa) passed away on Sunday, February 13, 2022, at her residence of Dubuque, Iowa.

A Private Family Graveside Service will be held on Friday, March 18, 2022, at the Ida Grove Cemetery of Ida Grove, Iowa. Pastor Luann Benge will officiate.

The Christensen-Van Houten Funeral Home of Ida Grove, Iowa, is in charge of the funeral arrangements. Condolences may be sent online at www.christensenvanhouten.com.

Mary Lyne Auen, the daughter of Mearl “Jack” and Norma (Kinzer) Auen, was born on November 21, 1954, in Ida Grove, Iowa. She attended Ida Grove High School and graduated with the class of 1973.

Mary was very active while in high school; especially when it came to fine arts. She participated in choir and was involved in large group contests as well as played the piano for the swing choir. In band she played the flute, clarinet, alto sax, and oboe. As a sophomore she was selected to perform at the Northwest Iowa Band Festival and was named to the All-State Band her senior year. 

She was also a member of the Thespian and art clubs and helped draw many sets for the musicals. Mary wrote for the school newspaper, The Hawkeye and was a part of the yearbook staff. She was also involved in National Honor Society, track, and was a Rainbow member for six years. 

After high school Mary attended Augustana College in South Dakota to further her education in music and art. She was awarded a diploma in Piano Tuning and Repair from Western Iowa Tech Community College in 1981. Later she returned to Ida Grove to live with her mother.

Mary enjoyed helping her mother plant and tend to a large garden in the country. They enjoyed sharing their produce with friends. Mary was very gifted in drawing and playing the piano. She enjoyed reading and collected many books over time. She also liked to watch old movies and sew. In 2017 Mary relocated to Dubuque, Iowa, where she was still residing at the time of her passing.

Left to cherish her memory include uncles Ivan Auen of Wall Lake, IA, Herb Auen of Sac City, IA and Wally Auen of Denison, IA; cousin Susan Streck of Ida Grove, IA; numerous cousins, extended family and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents Norma and Mearl “Jack” Auen; her maternal grandparents John and Florence Kinzer; and paternal grandparents Dick and Matilda Auen.