Mary Joe Oliver

December 31, 1926 ~ February 8, 2017

VISITATION DETAILS

Sunday, February 12, 2017

1:00 – 7:00 PM

Burmeister-Johannsen Funeral Home

Harlan, IA

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Family will greet friends from 3:00 – 5:00 PM at the Funeral Home.

SERVICE DETAILS

Monday, February 13, 2017

10:00 AM

Burmeister-Johannsen Funeral Home

Harlan, IA

(get directions)

BURIAL

Monday, February 13, 2017

2:00 PM

Middle Fork Cemetery

Redding, IA

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SURVIVORS

Husband – Willard W. Oliver, Jr. of Irwin, IA

2 Daughters – Amy (Dennis) Coenen of Harlan, IA

Nancy (Mike) Perrigo of Dallas, TX

3 Sons – Fred (Linda) Oliver of Oakland, IA

Steven (Deb) Oliver of Dysart, IA

Scott (Mary) Oliver of Dearborn, MO

13 Grandchildren

19 Great-grandchildren

Other Relatives & Friends

Mary Joe Oliver, the daughter of Joe N. and Mary Amy (Loutzenhiser) King, was born on December 31, 1926, at the family home in Bronson, Iowa. Her family later moved to Redding, Iowa, where they lived for several years. Mary Joe graduated from Redding High School in 1944. She also met her future husband, Willard Wesley Oliver, Jr., while living in Redding. Mary Joe and her family then moved back to Bronson, and she worked for Younkers in Sioux City, Iowa.

After a short long-distance relationship, Mary Joe and Willard were married on February 16, 1945, at the Methodist Church in Redding. The couple farmed with Willard’s father for a short time before renting Doc Fullerton’s farm for two years. They moved to Spirit Lake, Iowa, where they lived for a year, and then to Elliott, Iowa, where they lived for five years. They finally relocated in Shelby County, Iowa, where they raised their five children. Mary Joe sold toys at in-home toy parties, as well as running her own ceramic business. She also worked at the Irwin Locker in Irwin, Iowa, and as a playground supervisor for the Irwin School System.

Mary Joe was a member of the Irwin United Methodist Church, Irwin, Iowa. She was also a member of the Eastern Star, Irwin Chapter. Mary Joe was exceedingly proud of her children and grandchildren, and loved spending time with them; she especially enjoyed family meals. Traveling with family and friends was a favorite pastime, and the family often did tent camping in state parks when the children were young. Mary Joe was also an avid card player.

Mary Joe Oliver died on Wednesday, February 8, 2017, at Myrtue Medical Center in Harlan, Iowa. She had reached the age of 90 years, 1 month, and 8 days.

Mary Joe was preceded in death by her parents; one daughter, Marjorie Kay Oliver; and three sisters, Carabell Simmons, Margaret Skerich, and Lenore Hillers. She is survived by her husband of nearly 72 years, Willard W. Oliver, Jr. of Irwin, Iowa; two daughters, Amy (Dennis) Coenen of Harlan, Iowa, and Nancy (Mike) Perrigo of Dallas, Texas; three sons, Fred (Linda) Oliver of Oakland, Iowa, Steven (Deb) Oliver of Dysart, Iowa, and Scott (Mary) Oliver of Dearborn, Missouri; 13 grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren; and other relatives and friends.

The funeral service was held on Monday, February 13, 2017, at the Burmeister-Johannsen Funeral Home in Harlan, Iowa, with Rev. Laurie Riley of the Irwin United Methodist Church, Irwin, Iowa, officiating. Cindy Hanson served as the organist, and soloists were Betty Smith, Deb Oliver, and Mason Scott. Casket bearers were Kyle Perrigo, Dylan Oliver, Hunter Oliver, Jacob Oliver, Lynn Coenen, Austin Oliver, Benjamin Oliver, and Christopher Oliver. Burial was in the Middle Fork Cemetery in Redding, Iowa. The Burmeister-Johannsen Funeral Home in Harlan, Iowa, was in charge of the arrangements. Condolences may be left online at www.burmeisterjohannsen.com.