Mary E. Wilwerding

February 9, 1948-January 23, 2025

Mary Elizabeth Wilwerding, 76, of Kansas City, Missouri, passed away peacefully on January 23, 2025, surrounded by her loving family. Born on February 9, 1948, in Omaha, Nebraska, Mary was the beloved daughter of Edward and Dorothy (Kurtz) Harkins.

Mary’s life was a shining example of love, faith, and service. She graduated from Iowa Western Community College to become a nurse, dedicating her career to caring for others. Outside of her work, Mary found joy in gardening, cooking, and offering her time and talents to those in need. Her warm and nurturing spirit touched the lives of everyone she met.

Mary was first married to Robert Blankenship for 25 years, with whom she raised her children until his passing on March 19, 1991. In 1992, she relocated to Earling, Iowa, where she began a new chapter of her life. On November 21, 1993, she married Bernie Wilwerding, blending their families and creating a home filled with love and laughter for their 10 children. Mary and Bernie shared nearly 25 wonderful years together until Bernie’s passing on July 23, 2018.

After Bernie’s death and her retirement, Mary moved to Des Moines, Iowa, to live with her daughter Angela and family in 2018. Eventually, they settled in Kansas City, Missouri, where she spent her final years surrounded by family and friends.

Mary is now joyfully reunited in Heaven with her parents, Edward and Dorothy, her first husband, Robert, her beloved Bernie, and her cherished daughter, Tara Ann, who was stillborn on July 6, 1969, son-in-law, Ron Herzinger, grandchildren: Isaiah, Samuel and Jadyn Wilwerding, and numerous sisters and brothers-in-law.

Mary’s memory will live on through those she loved, including her children: Anne (Brian) Teal, Angela (Dewight) Roe, Bradley (Alexis) Blankenship, and Andrea Blankenship; her stepchildren: Ann Herzinger, Sheila (Dan) Hoffmann, Laura (Harvey) Graeve, Jim (Gigi) Wilwerding, Paul (Desiri) Wilwerding, and Tony (Jennifer) Wilwerding; her brother, Bill (Mindy) Harkins; her grandchildren, great-grandchildren, numerous nieces and nephews, and her many friends and extended family members.

Mary’s unwavering faith, generosity, and love for her family and community leave a legacy that will never be forgotten.

VIGIL SERVICE/ROSARY: Monday, January 27, 2025, 6:00 PM with NEBRASKA NURSE HONOR GUARD PRESENTATION and VISITATION from 4:00-6:00PM, West Center Chapel, 7805 West Center Road, Omaha.

MASS OF CHRISTIAN BURIAL: Tuesday, January 28, 2025, 10:30AM, St. Robert Bellarmine Catholic Church, 11802 Pacific Street, Omaha.

INTERMENT: Calvary Cemetery

Memorials are suggested to St. Joseph Catholic Church, Earling, IA and St. Therese Parish, Kansas City, MO.

To view live broadcasts of the Service, please visit www.heafeyheafey.com and click the “Live Cast” button at the top of the home page.