Obituary

Mary passed away at the age of 98 on Wednesday, November 1, 2023 at Mill Pond in Ankeny. She was born in Des Moines on May 15, 1925 to Hubert and Mary “Mayme” Ver Mehren, and lived her entire life in the Des Moines area. Mary was known as “Mev” growing up. She enjoyed participating in theatre and dance as a young/teen girl, and graduated from Roosevelt High School.

Mary wed Norman L. Fowler on October 13, 1956 in Des Moines, where they made a home for nearly 64 years before Norman’s passing. They had 2 children. Mary loved to sew and also spend many hours in her various flower gardens. A great majority of her profession working outside the home involved sewing and being a seamstress. After her retirement, she spent many years doing volunteer work at the Des Moines Botanical Center, now known as the Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden. She and Norman also enjoyed volunteer work at the Animal Rescue League of Iowa. Mary loved to travel with her family, discovering new places and new adventures. Many years were spent camping and hiking; she loved the outdoors! They traveled extensively throughout the United States and Canada. Later Mary and Norman began to travel overseas, and after retirement they became very much “world travelers”; taking many tours and cruises all over the world. They loved it greatly!

Mary is survived by her daughter, Carol Young; son, Bruce Fowler (Patty); grandchildren: Michael Young, Sierra (Young) Isak (Jonathan Isak), and Steven Fowler (Heidi). She was preceded in death by her husband, Norman; brother, Dick Ver Mehren; and her parents Hubert and Mary “Mayme” (Jacobs) Ver Mehren.

Private graveside services were held as Mary was laid to rest at Highland Memory Gardens Cemetery in Des Moines.

Arrangements by Iles Dunn's Chapel.

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