Obituary of Mary Ellen Lahr

DELHI, IOWA

Mary Ellen Lahr, 71, of Delhi, passed away peacefully at home on July 27, 2024.

Visitation will be held from 3 – 7 pm on Tuesday, July 30, 2024, at Kramer Funeral Home in Dyersville, Iowa.  Visitation will continue Wednesday morning from 9 – 10:15 am at the funeral home prior to funeral mass.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 am Wednesday, July 31, 2024, at St. John’s Catholic Church in Delhi with burial in the church cemetery.  Rev. Gabriel Anderson will officiate.

Mary was born October 2, 1952, in Manchester, Iowa, daughter of Donald and Eula (Ridenour) Every. She grew up in Colesburg, Iowa and attended Ed-Co High School.

She married Jim Deutmeyer on November 29, 1969. Together they raised their five children while farming north of Luxemburg. They later divorced but remained friends.

While working at the Dyersville Sales Barn, Mary met Kenny Lahr who would become her loving partner for the remainder of her life. They married August 20, 1999. Together they enjoyed the serenity of their lakeside property in Delhi. Mary joined Kenny working sales at the Edgewood Sales Barn and was Director at the Delhi Library for ten years.

Mary found joy in the simple things in life. Her pleasure in life could be found in a good book, watching the many birds that visited their backyard paradise and always she found joy in “dirt therapy” working her flower beds in the yard.  Her greatest joys were found in the time she spent with Kenny by her side and surrounded by her children, grandchildren and great granddaughters. Whether it be one of their campfires sitting beneath the stars eating smores with the grandkids, holiday craft projects with the girls and grandkids, or the daily messaging sharing nature pictures or music with her children, these were the moments that brought her happiness. Her sunroom and view of the yard became a peaceful retreat for all who visited.

Mary was a bright and determined woman never afraid of a challenge. Referring to her flower beds, cooking and life in general, she always said it’s simply a trial-and-error process. Her never-ending strength and resilience were evident in her battle with cancer. Like her beloved hummingbirds, Mary was small but mighty. She touched the lives of many and will be greatly missed.

Mary is survived by her husband, Kenny; children: Chad (Diane) Deutmeyer, Earlville, Lora (Jay) Gaul, New Vienna, Niki (Shawn) Burchard, Dyersville, Matt (Tiffinni) Deutmeyer, Dyersville, Crystal (Johahn) Marmaduke, Rib Lake, WI; stepdaughters: Kristi (Dean) DeNoma, Marshall, WI, Stacey (Justin) McCurnin, Nevis, MN; 21 grandchildren and 2 great granddaughters; brothers: Steve (Mary Ann) Every, Colesburg, Chuck (Vicki) Every, Cedar Rapids; sisters-in-law Becky Forkenbrock, Colesburg, Joan Lahr, Hopkinton, Donna (Loras) Manternach, Masonville and  Joyce (Clarence) Freisinger, Oak Grove, MN.

She was proceeded in death by her parents, and younger brother Tom Every.

The family would like to thank the staff at Care Initiatives Hospice and the loving staff at the MercyOne Dubuque Cancer Center, both caring for Mary with great compassion and kindness.

Kramer Funeral Home in Dyersville is assisting the family.  Information is available at www.kramerfuneral.com.  Memorials may be sent to the family, (in care of Kramer Funeral Home) 750 12^th Ave SW, Dyersville, IA  52040.