Marion "Mary Lou" Mintling

Marion “Mary Lou” Mintling, 95 of Kearney passed away peacefully surrounded by family, Wednesday, June 25, 2025 at Brookestone Gardens in Kearney. Memorial services will be 11:00 a.m. Monday, July 7, 2025 at First Lutheran Church with Rev. Dr. Michelle Holley Carlson and Rev. Dr. Rick Carlson officiating. A private inurnment will be held at Kearney Cemetery. Mary Lou was a devoted wife, mother, grandma, great grandma, sister, aunt and friend. She was born January 31, 1930 in Three Forks, Montana to Frederick and Marion (Tees) Lane. The oldest of 6 children, Mary Lou learned the art of caretaking at an early age. Off to Spokane, WA for school, she met the love of her life, Air Force Sergeant, Richard “Dick” Mintling and they were married on May 9, 1952. Together they were inseparable, whether dancing in the living room, sitting on their deck, watching the birds, or enjoying quiet moments together. Their bond was a beautiful example of lifelong love and devotion. They were blessed to celebrate 71 years of marriage. Her family was her world, and she poured her heart into every hug, smile, and every moment shared. She loved gardening, especially her flowers, and shared vegetables with her kids and neighbors. She enjoyed bridge, reading, quilting, yardwork (she loved to pull weeds) as well as helping out at the church. Mary Lou was a nurse by profession and a caregiver by nature. She loved working with children and served as a school nurse for Kearney Public Schools for 25 years. Beyond providing healthcare, she had a genuine concern for kids and their families, and enjoyed the staff/friends she worked with. Mary Lou was a proud and loving mother, a cherished grandmother to five grandchildren, and a joyful great grandmother to 14 great grandchildren. Mary Lou is survived by her daughters, Patty (Jerry) Ibsen, Sharon (Charlie) Petersen and their families; Christopher (Aimee) Ibsen, Carter, Carson and Claire of Roca, Jennifer (Bill) Barta , Sam, Max and Ava Vescio of the Omaha area, Amy (Aaron) Goldsmith, Drew, Madilyn, Charlie and Olivia of Gretna, Leslie ( Hannah) Tempest, Lucy and Rowan of Omaha, Laura (Jaycob) McCormick, Nathan and Delaney of Omaha; sister, Donna Makoff of Manhattan MT; brothers, Pat John (Carol) Lane of Missoula MT, Joe Pete (Joyce) Lane of Palm Desert CA, LaHoma Lane of Vancouver WA, and many wonderful nieces, nephews and friends. Mary Lou was preceded in death by her parents Fred and Marion Lane; beloved husband, Dick Mintling; brother, Michael Lane; sister, Madeline Todd and husband Donald “Cotton”, brother-in-law Edward Makoff and great grandson, Oliver Tempest. Mary Lou had a special way of making people feel seen and loved even if she had to deliver a little honesty along the way. She will be remembered for her warmth, wisdom, her sense of humor and whose presence made life brighter for everyone around her. She will be missed and forever loved. Memorials are suggested to the family for future designation. Condolences may be shared online at www.osrfh.com. Services are entrusted to O'Brien Straatmann Redinger Funeral and Cremation Services.

Marion "Mary Lou" Mintling

January 31, 1930 - June 25, 2025