Mary A. Gottsleben was born January 18, 1932, in Philip, South Dakota, the daughter of William and Helen (Gehan) Gottsleben. She grew up on a farm-ranch northwest of Philip, and attended the Deadman Rural School in that area. She attended high school at St. Martin’s Academy in Sturgis, graduating in 1951. She then attended Black Hills State College in Spearfish, where she obtained her teaching certificate. She taught rural school at the Jones Rural School for three years and one year at the Malone Rural School near Milesville. Once their children were in school, she returned to teaching, served as a substitute teacher and teacher's aide for numerous years.
Mary was united in marriage to Henry “Hank” Pekron on August 28, 1954, in Philip. They made their home in the Milesville area, where they worked on a ranch and later purchased their own ranch. They continued to ranch for over 50 years. Due to health reasons, they moved into Philip in October 2007.
Her husband Henry “Hank” Pekron preceded her in death on August 27, 2010. Mary continued to reside in Philip until her death.
Mary was a member of the Sacred Heart Catholic Church of Philip, and a former member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church and Altar Society of Milesville.
Survivors include six children Nancy Ehrhardt and her husband Rick of Brandon, Steve Pekron and his wife Nina of Milesville, Beth Walker of Gillette, Wyoming, Karen Kroetch and her husband Jerry of Philip, Theresa Pekron of Westminster, Colorado, and Joe Pekron and his wife Julie of Hot Springs; 13 grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; one sister Ann Pattno and her husband Tom of Hastings, Nebraska; a sister-in-law Myrna Gottsleben of Philip; several nieces and nephews; and a host of other relatives and friends.
In addition to her husband, Mary was preceded in death by her parents, and one brother Jim Gottsleben.
Visitation was held 6-7 p.m. Sunday, October 14, at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Philip, with a prayer service at 7:00 p.m.
Mass of Christian Burial was held 10:00 a.m. Monday, October 15, at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Philip, with Father Kevin Achbach as celebrant.
Interment was at the Masonic Cemetery in Philip.
MASS OF CHRISTIAN BURIAL
Monday, October 15, 2012 – 10:00 a.m.
Sacred Heart Catholic Church
Philip, South Dakota
CELEBRANT
Father Kevin Achbach
ALTAR SERVERS
Mike Gebes - Ben Stangle
LECTORS
Linda Stangle - Joe Gittings
EUCHARISTIC MINISTERS
Don Schultz - Kelly Blair - Donna King
MUSIC
Marianne Frein – Pianist
Maureen Palecek - Vocalist
“Be Not Afraid”
“You Are Mine”
“One Love Released”
“Amazing Grace”
“O Loving God”
“Hail Mary Gentle Woman”
USHERS
Mike Gebes - Bill Gottsleben
PALLBEARERS
Ryan Hovland – Jeremiah Walker
Joshua Kroetch – Nathan Walker
Zane Pekron – Cody Pekron
Justin Pekron - Jeff Goertz
GIFT BEARERS
Melinda Coslet – Brooke Formanek
Katie Pekron – Allison Pekron – Grace Pekron
INTERMENT
Masonic Cemetery
Philip, South Dakota
Guest Book
Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this time of grieving the loss of your mother. May the love of God surround you during this time and always. Your mother was a very special person and she will be missed but thanks be to God she is now in heaven with Him and your Dad. With Deepest Sympathy, Bob & Sharon Mayer
~ Sharon & Bob Mayer
Rapid City SD (10/10/2012)
Pekron Family,
It is so hard to lose a mom. It is hard to lose a dad also, but a mom is just so special, and Mary was certainly a special lady. She was the most gentle soul it was ever my pleasure to meet. She always had a kind word to say and I never heard her speak a harsh or unkind word about anyone or anything. She was a true lady through and through. But it was hard to say Mary's name without including Hank. To me it was always 'Hank and Mary.' They were a team. She will be missed by us, but oh, my, the thought of the reunion she and Hank are having just makes me smile! You were privileged to have 2 of the finest parents that ever walked this earth. They are together now and all their chores are done. They will be sorely missed by all who knew them. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Heaven is a much brighter place this morning!
~ Donnie and Bobette Schofield
Milesville, SD (10/10/2012)
Just heard of your Mom's passing and you have our deepest sympathy. She was a wonderful lady and I'm so glad to have called her my friend. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
~ Jim & Vonnie O'Dea
Howes, SD (10/10/2012)
So sorry to hear about the loss of your mother. Please know that we care and will be praying for strength and healing.
~ Roxy and Ray Formanek
Hermosa SD (10/10/2012)
Deepest sympathy to all of Mary's family. I have known her for many years and she has always been a friend to my family. Keeping you all in my prayers at this time.
~ Beverly Jahner
Kerrville Texas (10/10/2012)
I'm sorry to hear of Mary's passing. She was a very nice lady. I'm sure you will miss her. My deepest sympathy. Elaine
~ Elaine Staben
Bozeman MT (10/10/2012)
Our sympathy to you all in the loss of your mother. God Bless.
~ Jolene and Don Haynes
Philip, SD (10/10/2012)
So sorry to you all for your loss. Your Mother was an amazing woman and such a joy to be around. She was so kind and always smiling. We know you will be lost without her. Please keep her memories close and find some comfort in knowing others share your loss.
~ Julie Nixon
Philip, SD (10/10/2012)
So sorry to hear of your loss. Mary was such a kind person. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
~ Lisa (Schofield) Jonas
Pierre, SD (10/10/2012)
Sorry to hear about the death of your mother,
I remember her as such a nice person and good to everyone, she will be missed.
~ Diane Gruba
Watertown, SD (10/10/2012)
So sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you during the difficult days ahead. Hold on to all the memories.
~ Rudy & Susan Roth
Philip, SD (10/10/2012)
Nancy, Rick and family;
Please know that you are in our prayers here in Brandon and hoping the prayers and thoughts coming your way will help you through the difficult days ahead. Love ya!
~ Carla Gross
25893 481st Ave Brandon (10/10/2012)
We are so sorry to hear of the loss of such a wonderful woman. May the great memories you cherish help you to find comfort in the days ahead. Heaven gained a wonderful angel!! Prayers continue to all of you.
Love, Rowdy and Cindy
~ Cindy Schuler
Philip,SD (10/10/2012)
We are so sorry to hear of the passing of Mary. I don't believe ther was ever a more soft hearted, kinder, loving, saintly person on this earth. I believe Mary lived her life with an advantage over most of us because she did not have to deal with jealousy, bigotry, revenge, hate, and other negative thoughts and feelings. They didn't exist within her. RIP Mary.
~ Leo and Judie Gittings
Nemo, SD (10/10/2012)
I was so sad when my Dad told me that Mary had passed away, as she was such a part of my childhood, being one of our closest neighbors. As kids, we loved to ride our bikes down to BIG hil to Hank & Mary's house! She was an aide at the Cheyenne School in my younger days, and I will never forget sitting in a little chair beside her, reading books to her. She was always so kind and loving...and I will really miss her. Hold onto the precious memories you shared with her.
~ Jenna Finn
Midland (10/10/2012)
We are so saddened to hear of the passing of Mary. What a dear, dear lady. Our deepest sympathy to all of you.
~ Joyce and Ed Buchholz
Belle Fourche (10/10/2012)
Sorry to hear of the loss of your mother. Growing up near the Pekrons was always so much fun when we went to your house to play. There was always so many things to do and so many to play with. My memory of staying over was that your dad always lead the rosary at night and I thought you were having church right there in the living room. Then I turned 7 and we moved away so we didn't "neighbor" as much. Mary was always so helpful and kind in whatever she did whether it was release time at church or 4-H projects. I only wish I could be more like Mary, never complaining and always dealing with whatever God handed her. I know she has struggled the past few years I never heard her complain. Keep your memories close, it does get easier as time goes on.
~ Tom and Jane Aasby
Rapid City (10/10/2012)
So sorry to hear of your moms passing. I remember her through the years as a very soft hearted and loving lady. Our kids, Sherry & Lee were in school and other activities with Theresa and Joe. You have many wonderful memories to keep close to your hearts. May God bless you in the days & weeks ahead as you go on with your lives. Prayers for happier days ahead.
~ Shirley & George Dennis
Philip (10/10/2012)
Mary was such a wonderful person. She will be missed by so many. My thoughts & prayers are with you all at this time.
~ Laurie Dale
5719 S Milam, Amarillo, TX 79110 (10/10/2012)