Mary Lex

Mary Katherine (Greteman) Lex, age 97, daughter of Bernard and Mary (Meissner) Greteman was born October 8, 1918 in Willey, Iowa. She graduated from St. Angela Academy in Carroll in 1935 and furthered her education at St. Joseph Mercy College of Nursing in Sioux City, graduating in 1940.  Following her graduation, she worked as an X-Ray and Laboratory technician in Onawa. Mary also worked for Dr. Harry A. Collins in Des Moines for 6 years.

   Mary was united in marriage with Charles H. Lex June 28, 1948 at St. Michael’s Catholic Church in Sioux City by her brother Msgr. Frank H. Greteman, who later became Bishop Greteman. One child was born to this union. Mary was a homemaker while they lived in Des Moines from 1948-1972. Her husband was an electrical engineer and she also worked for him from their home.  They moved to Woodward in 1972. In 1995, shortly after the death of her husband she moved to Carroll. Even while well into her 80's as a retired nurse she did Hospital and Nursing Home Care Review for the State of Iowa Department of Elder Affairs.

   Mary was a member of Holy Spirit Parish, Women’s Guild and the Catholic Daughters of the Americas. She and Charles took a memorable trip to Hawaii. Mary enjoyed watching birds, cooking and going on walks.  She was a very smart, loving and kind woman.

   Mary lived in Orchard View Apartments, after suffering a stroke she moved to St. Anthony Nursing Home in 2011.  Mary died Monday June 20, 2016 at St. Anthony Hospital at the age of 97 years, 8 months and 12 days.

   Preceding her in death are her parents; husband Charles Lex; brothers Rev. James B. Greteman, John Greteman, Victor Greteman, Joseph Greteman, Clem Greteman. Rev. Lawrence Greteman, Msgr. Bernard Greteman, and Bishop Frank Greteman; sisters Sr. Ann Greteman, Elizabeth Carraher, Rosa Mahaffey, Margaret Greteman and Leonilla Hamilton.

    Mary is survived by her son Charles B. Lex of Woodward, IA; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Reverend Timothy Johnson, Celebrant

Thomas Kraemer   Anne Hamilton 

 Mary Treinen   John Hamilton

Gift Bearers

Pat Greteman   Mary Schreck

Casketbearers

Joe Greteman   David Greteman   Frank Greteman

Larry Greteman   John Greteman   Tim Greteman

Jim Greteman      Matt Greteman

Honorary Casketbearers

Martin Greteman   Louis Greteman  Robert Greteman

Music

“Here I Am Lord”    “On Eagle’s Wings”   

“Be Not Afraid”    “Amazing Grace”

St. Mary’s Choir

Jane Heithoff, Organist