Mary Christine Schipper

Mary Christine Schipper, 69, a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, passed away peacefully on June 25, 2026, after a five-year battle with cancer. Mary was born on December 25, 1956, in Charles City, Iowa, to Fritz and Irene Mehmen. She graduated from Osage High School in 1975. Mary married Mike Murray, and together they had two children, Dennis and Crystal. They later divorced. On October 16, 1981, Mary was united in marriage to Byron Schipper of Greene, Iowa. They spent time living in various places before moving to the Allison, Iowa area, where they began farming. Mary held many jobs while she and Byron farmed, most recently working as a canteen manager at the Waverly Area Veterans Post and the Charles City VFW. Her greatest joy was spending time with her children, grandchildren, family, and friends. She will be remembered for her kindness, warm smile, and the many memories she created with those she loved. Mary’s love, guidance, and gentle spirit will continue to live on in the hearts of everyone fortunate enough to know her. Mary is survived by her husband of 44 years, Byron Schipper of Greene; her son, Dennis Murray and his special friend, Jasmine, of Kalona, Iowa; her daughter, Crystal (Mike) Eckhoff of Clarksville, Iowa; and her three grandsons, David Murray of Wellman, Iowa, and Austin and Ryan Eckhoff of Clarksville, Iowa. She is also survived by her siblings: John (Rozanne) Mehmen, Jane (Bill) Rinehart, Betty McCormack, Jeanette (Frank) Anderson, Gary (Lori) Mehmen, and Ed Mehmen; sister-in-law Carol (Jim) Josten; brother-in-law Dave (Nancy) Schipper; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, Fritz and Irene Mehmen; her in-laws, John and Marie Schipper; her sister Judy Keenan; sister-in-law Cheryl Mehmen; brother-in-law Mike McCormack; and many aunts and uncles. A visitation will be held on Friday, July 10, 2026 from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. at Woodley Funeral Home in Greene. A private family funeral service will be held. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Cedar Valley Hospice. Mary will be deeply missed and forever loved. Her memory will remain a blessing to all who knew her.

Tributes

Mary Christine Schipper

December 25, 1956 - June 25, 2026