Mary Jane Grove, 81, of Elkader, died Tuesday, August 7, 2018. Jane was born May 7, 1937, the daughter of Dr. Edwin C. and Cecelia (McGuire) O’Connor in New Hampton, Iowa. She attended school in New Hampton and graduated in 1955. While in high school, she accompanied large groups and individuals in vocal music. She received her B.S.N. from the College of St. Teresa, Winona, MN.
She taught Nursing and Nursing Education at Northeast Iowa Comm. College in Calmar, Iowa for 12 years. She retired in 1983.
On August 19, 1961, Jane was married to Donald Grove in New Hampton, Iowa. Jane was a member of P.E.O. She also enjoyed playing bridge and cribbage. Jane always had a smile and a kind word for everyone. She was an avid reader and enjoyed gardening. She enjoyed watching the Iowa Hawkeyes play football, basketball and wrestling. Her greatest love of all was her grandchildren, the light of her life. Jane and Don were faithful members of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Elkader.
Survivors include her husband Don of Elkader; children Kathy (Tom) Greiner of Spring Valley, MN., and David J, (Jen) Grove of Red Wing, MN.; five grandchildren, Emily (Jacob) Misener, Molly Greiner, and Mathias, Margaret and Amelia Grove; sister-in-law, Kathy O’Connor, New Hampton; and numerous nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents and her brother, Jim O’Connor. She will be missed greatly by those who knew and loved her.
Memorials may be directed to the family.
Leonard-Grau Funeral Home in Elkader is helping the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be left with www.graufuneralhomes.com
Visitation will be Thursday, August 9, 2018, from 4-7 p.m. at Leonard-Grau Funeral Home in Elkader and an hour before Mass at the church on Friday.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, August 10, 2018, at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Elkader with Rev. Daniel Knipper celebrating the mass.
Inurnment will follow at St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery in Elkader