Obituary of Mary Jane Ann Anthony

Mary Jane (Janie) Anthony, 93, of Holy Cross, died on Sunday, August 18 at Mercy One Senior Care in Dyersville Iowa.

Visitation will be held from 4-7 p.m. on Friday, August 23, 2024 at Kramer Funeral Home in Holy Cross.  Visitation will continue at the funeral home from 9-10 a.m. prior to funeral mass.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, August 24, 2024 at Holy Cross Catholic Church with burial in the church cemetery.  Rev. Tyler Raymond will officiate.

Mary Jane was born on February 25, 1931, to Peter and Catherine (Meyer) Gotto of Bankston. On November 8, 1958, Mary Jane (Gotto) married James Anthony at St. Clements Catholic Church in Bankston. They farmed together for 31 years and raised a family in Holy Cross before Jim passed away in 1990. Janie then continued to farm with her three sons until retirement. You could find her doing chores, cooking, baking, or just having a long talk with friends or family. If you stopped by the farm or were over for a holiday, you never went away hungry or without a good cup of coffee.  If you were out to lunch with her, you’d probably see her enjoying her favorite banana or coconut cream pie because it was always just fine to have dessert first. Janie also had a love of God, and her rosary was never far out of reach. She enjoyed endless conversations with family and friends along with shopping excursions where she may have purchased another polka dot shirt or fuzzy booties. And, during the good ‘ole days with her parents Pete and Kate in Bankston – endless Sundays were spent on the front porch visiting, cooking up an old-fashioned meal, or playing a good game of cards.

Janie is survived by her three sons, Rick, Randy and Dave all of Holy Cross, her two daughters, Debra (husband David Young) of Katy, Texas and Peg (fiancé Korey Kahl) of Mazomanie, Wisconsin. She is further survived by brother Ralph (Nancy) of Minnesota, in-laws: Geri Anthony, Carol Anthony, Jane Anthony, numerous nieces & nephews, and extended family.

Janie was preceded in death by her husband Jim, her parents, along with two brothers Leon (Grace) Gotto and Cletus (Rosella) Gotto, in-laws: Mel Anthony, Herb Anthony, Bill Anthony, Jack (Doris) Anthony, Charlie Anthony, Merlin Anthony, and Doris (Walter) Pitz.

Her children know that heaven gained an angel, but she was already that on earth. Today, there’s the sweet smell of apple pie floating in heaven and coffee brewing, and a home cooked meal being shared with family and friends that have gone before her.  The cards are being dealt for a game of horse deal or euchre, there’s chatter in the air, and heaven is a whole lot brighter because of Janie and her sweet soul. And, after a long 34 years, Jim and Janie are finally reunited. Until we meet again Mom, watch over us.

Thank you to the caregivers at Mercy One Senior Care for taking such wonderful care of Janie. Your dedication to your profession is priceless.

Kramer Funeral Home in Holy Cross is assisting the family and 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.