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Mary Brandhorst Obituary

Mary "Mo" (O'Brien) Brandhorst, 67, of Central City, Iowa, passed away on Wednesday, November 22, 2023, at Summit Pointe Memory Care in Marion, Iowa. Visitation will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. on Monday, November 27, 2023, at Murdoch Funeral Home & Cremation Service in Marion, Iowa. Funeral Mass will begin at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, November 28, 2023, at St. Stephen's Catholic Church located at 4700 Valley Farm Road in Central City. Mary was born on March 18, 1956, in Iowa City, Iowa, the daughter of Edward Jacob and Kathleen Gertrude (Lynch) O'Brien. She was a 1974 graduate of Regina High School in Iowa City, where she was a Hall of Famer for basketball and softball (known for her power and speed around the bases). Mary graduated in 1978 from William Penn with a degree in Education. On November 7, 1980, Mary was united in marriage to Jay Alan Brandhorst at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Iowa City. She worked in education, spending most of her career at Central City Community School District and Marion Independent School District before retiring in 2020. Mary attended all extra curriculars, especially those of her children and grandchildren. She loved shopping for deals, perusing garage sales, playing cards, games, casino trips and Hawkeye Sports. Mary cherished their annual family trips to Lake Edward in Merrifield, Minnesota, where many lifelong friendships were made. She was a proud member of the "One More Club". Most important to Mary was her time spent with friends and family. She will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved her. Mary is survived and lovingly remembered by her husband of 43 years, Jay Brandhorst of Central City; sons, Casey (Lindsey) Brandhorst of Central City, and Sean Brandhorst of Cedar Rapids, Iowa; grandchildren, Reid, Rowyn, and Calan Brandhorst; siblings, Jeanne Von Feldt, Joanne (Fred) Riddle, James (Sue) O'Brien, and Michael (Michelle) O'Brien; and brother-in-law, Jan (Patty) Brandhorst. She was preceded in death by her parents, Edward and Kathleen; in-laws, Jean (Burt) Rabenberg, John Brandhorst; and brothers-in-law, Edward Von Feldt, and Denny Thiessen. Memorials in Mary's memory may be directed to the family. Please share a memory of Mary at www.murdochfuneralhome.com under obituaries.

To plant trees in memory, please visit theĀ Sympathy Store.

Published by The Gazette on Nov. 24, 2023.

Memories and Condolences
for Mary Brandhorst

Sponsored by Murdoch Funeral Home & Cremation Service - Marion.

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6 Entries

Smith family

November 27, 2023

Our lives are better because Mary has been a part of them.

Riane Gaffey

November 25, 2023

Way back when I was in kindergarten, I was on a point sheet with behavior. She was the teacher who followed me around and had faith on me that I'd be off of it. She helped me became a better person.

Becky Herman

November 25, 2023

There is a special place in heaven for my friend Mary. I will fondly remember all the trash-talking she did when she smoked me in a game of HORSE at a graduation party. I couldn“t even get her a letter, she was on fire! Her bright eyes and cheery salutations always brightened my day. We will remember her fondly.

Therese Speth

November 24, 2023

No! I shall always remember our days at William Penn fondly!! Teammates for softball and my doubles partner in tennis. We were quite the team!! Most importantly I shall remember our friendship. Your positive attitude got me through my days at Penn. Thanks my friend!! God Speed!! Saliente

Tammy and Tim Diesburg

November 23, 2023

We had many fun times together with Mary and Jay when Tim and I still lived in Central City. Mary was a special and sweet lady!!

Eric Rauch

November 22, 2023

We will have a green beer together again one day Mary! Always had a smile & a hug for me.

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Memorial Events
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4:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

Murdoch Funeral Home & Cremation Service - Marion

3855 Katz Drive, Marion, IA 52302

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Murdoch Funeral Home & Cremation Service - Marion

3855 Katz Dr, Marion, IA 52302

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