Mary Ann Voortmann

Funeral services for Mary Ann Voortmann, 83, formerly of Buffalo Center were held on Thursday, January 25 at the First Reformed Church in Buffalo Center. Interment was in Olena Mound Cemetery. Mary Ann passed away peacefully on Saturday, January 20, 2024 at Concord Care Center in Garner.

Mary Ann (Gossman) Voortmann was born October 23, 1940, in Platte Center, Nebraska. She was the daughter of W. Earl and Pearl (Sprunk) Gossman. She grew up in the Thompson area and graduated from Thompson High School in 1958.

On March 12, 1960, she was united in marriage to Clarence Voortmann at Linden Lutheran Church, rural Thompson. To this union two children were born, David and Doug. The couple had made their home just down the road from the family farm for 50 years.

Mary Ann was born into a farming family, where her love for the land took root. As a devoted farm wife, she stood by her husband through the joys and challenges of their farming operation. Her dedication went beyond the role of a partner; she fearlessly operated tractors, ran the grain cart, tended to silage, and lovingly cared for the dairy and feeder cattle, hogs and chickens and still made time to get a sandwich, meat loaf or roast beef and mashed potatoes for the men in the field. Gus and Mary Ann made a great team. Mary Ann also had a love for gardening and baking.

Mary Ann was known for her unwavering independence and stubborn spirit. You couldn’t tell her what to do, but beneath that exterior was a heart of gold. Her strong will was matched only by her genuine kindness. She possessed the rare gift of being the best listener, a trait that endeared her to all who sought solace in her company. She had a sweet tooth for vanilla ice cream with butterscotch topping, a simple pleasure that brought her delight.

Mary Ann was a member of the First Reformed Church in Buffalo Center, where her faith played an important role in her life.

She is survived by her son, David Voortmann of Mason City; grandchildren, Dylan (Marissa) Voortmann, Danica (fiance, Shaun Haugerud) Voortmann; great-grandchildren, Stella and Gavin; brothers, Kenneth Gossman of Albert Lea, Minnesota and Harvey (Judy) Gossman of Massena; sister, Karen (Terry) Rodberg of Joice; and many nieces and nephews.

Preceding her in death were her parents; husband, Clarence, on November 17, 2010; and son, Douglas, on September 28, 1998.