Mary Jane Wilkey
August 3, 1938 ~ September 19, 2025
Mary Jane Wilkey, 87, of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, passed away peacefully on September 19, 2025, at 4:39 a.m. at Dennis and Donna Oldorf Hospice House, surrounded by love.
Born on August 3, 1938, in Cedar Rapids, the daughter of Helen (Van Dyke) Heth and Marion Heth. She grew up in Walker, Iowa, until she moved to Cedar Rapids, where she worked at Rockwell Collins for 32 years. It was there she met her husband of 39 years, Larry Wilkey, until he passed away in 2001. They married on June 3, 1962, and moved to the Bertram area, where they raised their family.
She was known as the “animal lady” on the Dr. Max Show. She was an avid animal lover who never turned away a stray. Her kitties, Smokey and Sunny, were constant companions who brought her great joy.
Mary Jane never met a stranger — her door was always open, and she was famous for her invitation to stop by for “cocktails”. She loved the outdoors and took pride in her beautiful yard full of flowers, but her greatest pride was always her family. She was a devoted mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother who lit up whenever she was surrounded by her children and grandchildren. She also loved to go to local dances and entertaining with her numerous friends.
She is survived by her children, Kelly (Mark) Fischer and Toni (Dave) Hof of Cedar Rapids, Mike Wilkey of Williamsburg, and Mark Wilkey of Bristol, Virginia; She was a proud grandmother to, Chanel Whitford, Kelsey (Kaleb) Howey, Nick Hof, Josh (Sadie) Hof, Colton Hof, Bryce Wilkey, Dylan Wilkey, Harley Wilkey, and Wyatt Wilkey; and a delighted great-grandmother to, Knox Howey, Lyla Jane Howey, and Wesley Hof; and special friend, Dean Brogan.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Larry Wilkey; parents, Helen and Marion Heth; and brothers, Harold Heth, Howard Heth, and Charles Kessler.
A celebration of Mary Jane’s life will be held on Tuesday, September 23, 2025, at 11:00 a.m., at Stewart Baxter Funeral & Memorial Services, Mount Vernon, Iowa, with visitation from 9:00–11:00 a.m.
Memorials may be addressed to the Linn County Humane Society or charity of your choice for animal welfare.
The family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to Dr. Mary Anne Nelson and the staff at Dennis and Donna Oldorf Hospice House for their compassionate care.
Mary Jane’s spirit, laughter, and unconditional love will be deeply missed but never forgotten. Her legacy of kindness, hospitality, and joy will live on in the hearts of all who were blessed to know her.
Please share your support and memories with Mary Jane’s family on her Tribute Wall at www.stewartbaxter.com under Obituaries.
Services
Visitation:
Tuesday, September 23, 2025
9:00 am - 11:00 am
Stewart Baxter Funeral & Memorial Services - Mount Vernon
715 10th Avenue SW
Mount Vernon, IA 52314
319-895-8425
info@stewartbaxter.com
Funeral Service:
Tuesday, September 23, 2025
11:00 am
Stewart Baxter Funeral & Memorial Services - Mount Vernon
715 10th Avenue SW
Mount Vernon, IA 52314
319-895-8425
info@stewartbaxter.com
Burial: Tuesday, September 23, 2025
Mount Vernon Memorial Cemetery
520 1st Street E
Mount Vernon, IA 52314
319-895-8742
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My heart breaks for you, your Mom was a wonderful person and will be missed greatly. May she rest in peace.
Mari Lu and Dave Smith
I was so sad to learn about the passing of Mary Jane. I just thought the world of her. I will always treasure the talks and memories we shared for the 7 years we worked together at Rockwell. I am so sorry for your loss.
Sending our thoughts of sympathy to Mary Jane’s family and her special friend Dean Brogan. She was super nice!
Kelly, So very sorry to hear of Mary Jane’s passing. She was so very kind and also very fun. May she rest in peace. Cecelia Harmeyer
Kelly and family, sorry to hear about Mary Jane. I enjoyed seeing Mary Jane and you at the American Legion. She was a very wonderful person to share time with all these years. May God bless you all.
So many of my childhood memories were at this ladies home, with my best friend, Toni.
So sorry for your loss. Your mom was one of a kind and will be missed!
Love Sara
So sorry to hear of Mary Jane’s passing. I was one of her work buddies at Rockwell. She was always ready to help, talk, share her expertise. I will remember all of her fun parties, and good times that we had. Sorry for your loss, Kelly and family..
Mary Jane always had a wonderful smile. She showed interest in such a supportive way. Sorry for your loss. Our prayers are with your family.
I have wonderful memories of Mary Jane and am so thankful for them. Prayers for you, Kelly, Toni, Mike and Mark.
Kelly and family, so sorry to hear about Mom’s passing. My Mom was also at the Oldorf Hospice House, an awesome place of love and care. I’m sure your heart is full of memories that will comfort you, all the family and children. Take care and God Bless. I won’t be at the service but will keep you in my heart. Sincerely, Lynette
Sad to hear of this. I worked with Mary Jane at Collins for many years. She alone convinced me to leave the Lab Support group and work in the Security Office. She was very convincing that I apply for the job! : ) She was always cheerful, smiling and laughing. Good times back then indeed!
Mary Jane was a special person. She helped me with projects in the Security office for many years. I discovered that her mother was my elementary school music teacher. She was always positive and had an infectious happiness about her. We had some great talks over the years. My deepest condolences to the family.
I was heart broken when I saw Mary Janes’ obit in the paper.
I still don’t want to think it is r e a l !!! Me and my 2 sisters grew up with her right next door in
Walker IA . Mary Lou is gone now for 5 yrs. I am Janet and younger sis is Linda.
Maiden name is Massingham . We had such good times while growing up.
I did stop in to see her at her nice home about 2 years ago on my way from Mt Vernon.
Had the best visit ……she took me in her gator and showed me around her place ….
I had been thinking I need to go see her again soon. But sadly that will not happen .
Blessings to the whole family and God Bless all …………….
Janet Hlas
Condolences to Mary Jane’s family. What a charming neighbor in our Cedar Crest group. Always admired her yard, her home and a kind wave whenever I would see her in her driveway. She will be missed for sure.
We offer our deepest sympathy, sending prayers of healing. May the Lord Bless you and your family during this difficult time. Mr. Rick & Mrs. Nadine Petrik along with Freya (my 6th Rottie rescue).
So sorry to hear of Mary Jane’s passing. Prayers to the entire family during this difficult time.
I am so sorry to learn of your mom’s passing away. She was loved by so many and her friendship reached anyone who ever met or knew her. She was one in a million! I thought about her so much after reading her obituary. There aren’t enough words to sum up what a lovely woman she was.
I’m sure everyone is sharing their memories of her and I will never forget her infectious smile and laughter. Whenever I think of my years at Rockwell I always think of her.
Hold on to your wonderful memories and know so many of us are doing the same.
May you find comfort in all the wonderful condolences being sent your way.
Mike and Linda (Allison) Carmen