Mary Risius

Mary Risius, 84, of Grundy Center and formerly of Union, passed away peacefully on the morning of May 21, 2020 at the Creekside Cottages in Grundy Center. Funeral services for Mary will be held on Wednesday, May 27, 2020 at the Gifford United Methodist Church. Those in attendance are encouraged to wear masks and practice social distancing in efforts to prevent the spread of the COVID-19 virus. Memorials in Mary’s name may be directed to the Gifford United Methodist Church where Mary was a faithful member for many years. To leave a condolence to the family please visit www.mitchellfh.com or phone 641-844-1234. Mitchell Family Funeral Home is caring for Mary and her family. Mary Lou McDonald was born December 11, 1935 to parents John and Lena (Tjarks) McDonald. She was the second youngest of 13 children. Mary attended school in New Providence. On October 2, 1952 Mary was united in marriage to her faithful husband Gerald Risius. The two welcomed and raised four children together. Mary worked alongside her husband on the farm and took care of her family. To pass additional time she worked part time at the Union Nursing home and the Lennox print shop for years. Additionally, Mary was a member of the Red Hat Ladies Club and a member of the Gifford United Methodist Church where she served on the church board for years. Mary had many talents and interests her biggest and most important thing in her life was her grandkids. No holiday was spent without having one of Mary’s many famous cooking and baking recipes. Each grandkid had some sort of favorite and she would make sure everyone had their favorites for the meal. She loved to spend time with them any moment she could. She enjoyed many trips to Branson, Missouri with her husband to go camping, going shopping, occasional trips to the casino’s in Waterloo and Tama to play penny slots, and going to Red Lobster for dinners. Additionally, she enjoyed fishing for a number of years. She was a genuine kind hearted person who had the biggest heart and enjoyed talking and making friends with everyone she met. Left to remember and cherish her memory are her children Debbie Risius, Kathy (Randy) Wunschell, Randy (Kathy Zummak) Risius, and Lisa (Mick) Bockenstedt; her grandchildren Shawn Wunschell, Tonia Melling, Heather Frerichs, Chad Risius, Amber Risius, Kristi Risius, Chelsea Risius, Michael Risius, Chance Risius, Nathan Monroe, Nicholas Monroe, and Melisa Anderson; 21 great-grandchildren; and her sister Darlene Peters. She was preceded in death by her husband Gerald; her parents John and Lena McDonald; and 11 siblings.