Mary Ann Whipkey

Mary Ann Whipkey, age 60, of Sac City, Iowa, passed away on Friday, July 23, 2004, surrounded by her loving family at Loring Hospital in Sac City, following a courageous battle with cancer.

Mary Ann Blankenfeld was born on September 19, 1943, in Pipestone, Minnesota, the daughter of Lyle and Bertha (Veen) Blankenfeld. Mary Ann moved with her parents from Trent to Altamont and to Milbank, SD, where she began school. Her family then moved to Trent, SD, where she graduated from Trent High School in 1961.

On June 22, 1962, Mary Ann was united in marriage to Ronald Vinson Whipkey at the Trent Baptist Church in Trent, SD. To this union two children were born: Terri and Troy. Ron and Mary Ann made their home in South Dakota until 1966 when they moved to Sac City, IA.

Mary Ann enjoyed meeting many people while raising her family and later as an employee at the Iowa State Bank. Mary Ann was proud to be part of the Iowa State Bank family for 20 years.

She enjoyed gardening, traveling, spending time with her card club and her Ya Ya sisters, and preparing for the arrival of her new grandchild. She especially enjoyed spending time with her husband, her children, and grandchildren, as well as her many nieces, nephews, and her extended family all of whom she valued so much. Mary Ann was a member of the United Methodist Church where she was on the flower committee for several years and other various activities.

Left to cherish her memory are her husband Ron; her children: Terri and Brian Harmelink of Northfield, MN, Troy and Denice Whipkey of Sac City, IA; two grandchildren: Jessica and Jason Harmelink of Northfield, MN; her parents, Lyle and Bertha Blankenfeld of Brookings, SD; her sister Verla and Don Wermers of Madison, WI, her two brothers: Jim and Kay Blankenfeld of Irene, SD, and Jeff and Deniz Blankenfeld of Aurora, SD; and extended family members and many friends.

The family would like to offer special thanks to Dr. Pek, Pastor Dean McPhearson, and the dedicated staff of Loring Hospital for the kindness and prayers during the last days of her life.

Funeral services will be held Tuesday, July 27th, 10:30 a.m., at United Methodist Church with Rev. Dean McPherson officiating. Dee Meyer will accompany Rick and Evan Hecht, duet, and congregational singing. Honorary pallbearers are the following: Iowa State Bank Employees, Karon Zimmerman, Cynthia Mooney, Connie Meyer, Marlene Lents, and Wanda McClintock. Pallbearers include: Morris Mooney, Harlan Meyer, Earl Zimmerman, Ed Leahy, Robert Parker, and Greg McClintock. Interment will be at the Oakland Cemetery in Sac City under the direction of the Farber & Otteman Funeral Home.

Visitation is Monday, July 26th, 4:00-8:00 pm at the Farber and Otteman Funeral Home in Sac City.