Mary Ellen Rose Kirk

Mary Ellen Rose Kirk, 93, of Maquoketa, Iowa, passed away peacefully on Thursday, Dec. 11, 2025, at her home. She was born June 8 1932, in Springbrook, Iowa, the daughter of Alvin and Emma (Weis) Clasen.

On Oct. 4, 1952, Mary Ellen married the love of her life, James Kirk, in Bellevue, Iowa. Together they created a busy, joyful home as they raised their nine children. They were married for more than 60 years. Mary Ellen was a devoted homemaker whose greatest pride was her family.

After graduating from St. Joseph High School in Bellevue, Iowa, she taught kindergarten for one year. Throughout her life she worked in several roles, including at a café, a grocery store, and Clinton Engines. She also spent time working at Cottage Bridal and later served more than 13 years in the lunch program at Sacred Heart Catholic School, where her kindness and quiet humor touched generations of children. Starting at age 10, 4H became an important part of her life. She shared that involvement with her daughters and went on to serve as a 4-H leader for 28 years. She was a familiar and welcoming face at area county fairs, where she enjoyed judging projects and encouraging local youth. She continued participating in the Jackson County Fair throughout her life with many award-winning entries in the open class flower show.

Faith and service were central to who she was. She was a dedicated member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church and active in the Catholic Daughters of the Americas Court St. Raphael #1156. Mary Ellen shared her time and talents generously through the American Legion Auxiliary, St. Anthony’s Mother’s Club, and Delivering Meals on Wheels.

She was a talented seamstress often sewing for family and friends. She continued sharing those gifts by creating more than 75 Quilts of Valor over the years. She cherished time spent stitching with friends, visiting nursing homes to pray the rosary, and playing cards with her close circle of friends. She found joy in simple pleasures—tending to her flowers, preparing meals for her growing family, and celebrating every milestone, big or small. Her gentle spirit, steady faith and deep love for family will be remembered always. She enjoyed supporting her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren in their activities. Mary Ellen and Jim traveled in their classic Dodge with the Lincoln Highway Car Club.

She is survived by her nine children: Mary Jane (Carl) Zismer of Maquoketa; Teri (Tom) Taylor of Delmar; Nancy (Tom) Miller of Baldwin; Lori (Mike) Coleman of Shawnee, Kansas; Lisa (John) Heckmann of Sycamore, Illinois; David Kirk (Julie Jordan) of Morrison, Illinois; Tom Kirk of Maquoketa; Robert Kirk (Lori Fey) of Maquoketa; and Scott (Denise) Kirk of Maquoketa. She is also survived by her sisters, Pauline Wagener of DeWitt and Lela Roiger of Randolph, Minnesota; her brother Merlin “Pete” (Marilyn) Clasen of Bellevue; 24 grandchildren and 25 great-grandchildren, sister-in-law Pat Even of Dubuque and a brother-in-law Charles “Chuck” Kirk of Bellevue.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, James, and her daughter-in- law, Melanie, two brothers, Alvin “Slim” Clasen Jr., Virtus Clasen, a sister Bernadine Nefzger, a grandson Jeffery Caven and several brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law and nephews.

Visitation will be held on Friday, Dec. 19, from 4:00–7:00 p.m. at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Maquoketa. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, Dec. 20, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Maquoketa. Burial will follow at Sacred Heart Cemetery, Maquoketa. Dawson Funeral Services of Maquoketa is caring for her family.

Memorials may be directed in Mary Ellen’s honor to Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Hospice of Jackson County, or Jackson County Together We Build. Cards of condolence may be sent to: Dawson Funeral Services Attn: Mary Ellen Kirk Family P.O. Box 258, Wyoming, Iowa 52362 Online condolences may be left at www.dawsonfuneral.com.