Mary Prentice

Mary M. Prentice, 82, of West Bend, Iowa passed away in her sleep after a brief illness on January 13, 2026. Funeral Service will be 10:30 AM Monday, January 19, 2026 at the United Methodist Church in West Bend. Services have been entrusted to Lentz Funeral Home of West Bend.
Mary was born in Rodman, Iowa to parents Harry and Iona Prentice, on October 15, 1943. She was the 8th of 12 children.
Mary moved to Des Moines, Iowa after high school graduation, where she met and married Mike Mitchell in 1961 (divorced 1982). The couple had three children who each adored their mother and were thankful for her every day.
The family moved to Sioux City, Iowa in 1976 where Mary rejoined the workforce. She served as Registrar for Morningside College in the days where everything was documented on paper and she had the task of converting records to digital. She was popular with the students and Jackie loved having her on campus so she didn't get homesick while at college 5 miles from home.
In December of 1984, Mary visited her brother in Phoenix, Arizona. Fate introduced her to her life partner of 41 years, Richard "Dick" Kayser. The couple always had a set of two dogs that they cherished like children.
Mary obtained her real estate license in Arizona and enjoyed her second career as a realtor. Her down-to-earth nature and honesty were what attracted her clients.
"God's Country" was calling Dick and Mary back to Iowa in the early 90's. They settled in West Bend where they had a strong base of family and friends. Mary particularly loved living near her sisters who she always referred to as her "best friends." The volume and spirits of those around them went up drastically when they were together laughing and story telling.
Mary was an avid artist and her hobbies included oil painting, wood working, interior design and sewing. Her beloved Santa Claus creations can be found in many homes of her family and friends. Hundreds were sold in a Massachusetts boutique over the years.
Mary is survived by her partner, Dick Kayser. Daughter Jacqueline Mitchell (Gregg McGrath), grandchildren Ryan Etzel, Katie McGrath, Alicia Keane (Sean) and Kaylee McGrath. Son Shawn Mitchell and granddaughter Talia Mitchell. Great grandchildren Oliva, Owen, Thomas, Nila. Siblings Vern, Carol, Jean and Christa (Al). Numerous nieces and nephews and pampered dogs Elvis and Priscilla.
Mary is predeceased by her beloved son, Jeff Mitchell, parents, and siblings Dolores "Sis," Glenn "Buzz," Dorothy, Dean, Lee, Dean, Arden and Warren.