Mary Beth Hilgendorf
January 22, 1977 ~ August 26, 2020
Mary Elizabeth Hilgendorf (Templin), 43, of Cedar Rapids, died suddenly at Mercy Medical Center on Wednesday, August 26, 2020. A private, extended family gathering at Stewart Baxter Funeral & Memorial Services, Cedar Rapids, will be on Friday, September 4, 2020, from 4-8 p.m. with a storytelling hour set for 6:30 p.m. No burial services will follow. The storytelling time will be livestreamed on Facebook. Search for and join the Remembering Mary Beth Hilgendorf private Facebook group for more information.
On Saturday, September 5, 2020, there will be a celebration of life bicycle processional leaving Sag Wagon in Cedar Rapids at 12 p.m. and will ride to Kickstand where there will be some outdoor live music and socializing. Please use proper social distancing practices.
Survivors include her husband, Joseph Hilgendorf; her brother, Kyle Newman; her sister, Kelly Butcher; her parents-in-law, Lynn and Connie Hilgendorf; sister-in-law, Jami (Justin) Harris; and nephew and niece, Preston and Ava Harris. She was preceded in death by her parents.
Mary Elizabeth Hilgendorf (Templin) was born January 22, 1977, in North Liberty, Iowa, the daughter of William Arthur Templin and Susan Marie Templin. Even at a young age, Mary Beth, as she was known by all of her friends, had a passion for life. Her inquisitive spirit and creativity were her hallmarks. While most of us would be pleased with ourselves by putting together a 500-piece puzzle, Mary Beth was always head and shoulders above when it came to engineering and putting things together. One summer, while in grade school, she got a 2000-piece puzzle composed entirely of gum balls. She had it assembled within a week, then proceeded to take it apart and put it back together with the image facing down.
Her personality shined like the brightest star in a constellation. She could draw you in with a smile and she was accepting of everyone, though her charisma could rub you the wrong way until you got to know her. Mary Beth graduated in 1995 from West High School in Iowa City and then went on to the University of Iowa to earn her bachelor degree. She was friends with everyone, but never tried to fit herself into a group. In high school, she was an accomplished softball pitcher and catcher. Mary Beth was also a fabulous flutist and consistently captured 1st or 2nd chair in concert band.
Mary Beth married Joseph Hilgendorf on October 13, 2012. She helped manage the cycling group Team WASP. Mary Beth worked as a Software Support Analyst at Ruffalo Noel Levitz and also supported the Cedar Rapids music scene. She loved dancing, crafting, crocheting, painting, and loving everyone around her.
In lieu of flowers, memorials will be made to the Linn County Trails Association. You can use paypal.me/JoeHilgendorf and funds will be forwarded.
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So sad to hear this…Mary Beth was part of our racing team in the late 90’s and early 2000’s. She was an organizer, but after reading her obituary, I guess that should have been no surprise… Mike and Matt Furman
Living with Mary Beth as a kid was like a tale of two cities. She was Kind and passionate about what she did but to get on her bad side was to have the world against you. She was always the brightest star in a constellation. By this I mean you could always find her, count on her, and she was always there to help navigate you through tough times. She was a trouble maker for a while but grew past that in to a very loving and cherished member of the communities she took part in. She will forever be remembered and she will forever be missed in body. In spirit, it will be hard to miss her. You just need to look around, and most times not very far, to find something that will remind you of her laugh, her smile or her morbid sense of humor.
So many fun memories together at the race track and events. She kept us on our toes and laughing until we cried. She has left this world too soon. Loretta Gronewold (Mrs Mudmaker)
We are so sorry for your loss. We will miss her big smile and the love she shared for everyone.
She made everyone around her feel loved and joy she was full of happiness so funny. Her and I got into a lot of mischief in high school fun stuff so many memories I’m going to miss her so much. Love you Mary Beth.
Mary Beth will be missed! She was indeed a very unique and beautiful soul! I met her through work, and our friendship remained after. It always brought a smile to me to see that smiling face!!! Rest in paradise friend.
Oh my, what a shock to learn of Mary Beth’s sudden and unexpected passing. Mary Beth was a great neighbor during the time she lived in Amana. Peace to you Mary Beth, and to all of your family.
I was shocked and very sad to hear of Mary Beth’s passing. My deepest sympathies. The journey of life takes unexpected turns and leaves us with memories. Remembering the little girl from North Liberty who grew up and became a passionate and caring person. I was able to thank Mary Beth for the hat she made my daughter who wore it to keep her head warm. I treasure the gift and the memories. Arlene Gerard
You were a bright light in one of my darkness times. Of course we met because of music. I wish you got to write your book. Rest in peace MB Thank you SH