Mary E. (Larson) Knoshaug

Mary Elizabeth (Larson) Knoshaug, 83, of Clarion, passed away peacefully on Sunday, March 17, 2024 at Fairacres Manor in Greeley, Colorado.

Funeral services will be held Monday, March 25, 2024 at 10:30 AM at Ewing Funeral Home, 1801 Central Avenue East in Clarion. Burial will be at Evergreen Cemetery in Clarion.

Visitation will be held Sunday, March 24, 2024 from 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM at Ewing Funeral Home in Clarion.

Mary was born on October 8, 1940 in Des Moines, Iowa to Alfred and Reka (Gerken) Larson. Mary attended the Des Moines public schools, and graduated from North High School in 1958. After graduation, Mary worked for the Central Life Assurance Company, and J. Lee Hill Claims Service, both in Des Moines.

Mary married her high school sweetheart, Dewayne Knoshaug, on May 29, 1959 (the same day that Dewayne graduated from Iowa State). The couple was blessed with four children.

Mary and Dewayne resided and started their family in Perry, Iowa, before moving to Des Moines, where Dewayne attended law school at Drake University. Upon Dewayne’s graduation from law school, the couple moved to Clarion, Iowa, which would become their lifelong home.

While raising four young children, Mary attended Eagle Grove Junior College for two years, followed by two years at Iowa State to obtain her Bachelor of Science degree in elementary education, graduating in 1973 with a straight A average. She spent one year teaching in Eagle Grove, and then worked as a tax preparer for the Knoshaug Law Firm, until retiring in 2009. During retirement, Mary owned and operated a small jewelry business selling unique pieces made from rocks and gems.

During their life in Clarion, the couple participated in almost every organization in town. Mary was an active member of the First Lutheran Church and AAUW. She was involved with the Cub Scouts, 4-H, bridge club, and assisted Dewayne in his roles in many other organizations. The couple attended nearly all of their children’s’ school activities and performances, and year-round sporting events. As empty-nesters, Mary and Dewayne enjoyed extensive travel within the United States and abroad.

Mary will be remembered for her special kindness, compassion, and selflessness, which persisted throughout her entire lifetime.

Mary was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Dewayne Knoshaug, sister Elizabeth (Betty) Van Essen, and son-in-law Christian Chatto.

She is survived by her sister, Barb Modjeska (Ron) and their sons, Scott and Michael (Tami) and their families; her niece, Barb Balster (Dave); two sons, David (Michele) and their children Bethany (Keith) and son Quinten, Rachel (Brandon) and their children Avalene and Koen, Summer (Ana), Abbie, Carolina, Jed, and Elijah; and Dale (Kim) and their sons Sam and Alex; two daughters Dawn Knoshaug and her daughter Kristina and grandchildren Milli, Kash, and Jax; and Dee Chatto and her sons Tom and Nick.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be given to the First Lutheran Church in Clarion, Iowa.