Mary was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, passed away peacefully in Blair, Neb., on Sept. 30, 2026, at the age of 82.
Born on Sept. 16, 1944, Mary grew up on her family farm and attended Missouri Valley High School, graduating in 1962. On June 9, 1963, she married the love of her life, Roger, in Missouri Valley. Together, they built a life centered around faith, family, and joy, welcoming three children: Tory in 1964, Mark in 1966, and Marlee in 1970. In 1972, the family made their home in Blair, Neb., where they raised their children.
Mary shared her creativity and skills as an instructor at Capital Beauty School in Omaha and later styled hair at a local beauty salon in Blair. Her passion for education was shown through her work as a preschool teacher’s aide at Pacific Hills Lutheran School. Over the years, her ambition and drive led her to successfully launch and run several business ventures.
Mary had a deep appreciation for life’s adventures. She and Roger cherished their travels together, exploring the Holy Land, Germany, Hawaii, and Alaska. At home, she found immense joy in singing in the church choir and cheered passionately for her beloved KU Jayhawks basketball team.
Above all, Mary’s greatest joy was her family. She was a fixture at her grandchildren’s events, never missing an opportunity to celebrate their milestones, and took immense pride in all of their accomplishments.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Roger; her brother, John Robert "JR" Rand; brother- in-law, John D "Jackie" Wohlers; her father and mother -in-law, John "Jack" and Lorain (Christians) Wohlers; her great grandson, Theo Thurston; and other family and friends.
Mary is survived by children, Tory Hansen, Mark (Trayce) Wohlers, Marlee (Neal) Thurston; 6 grandchildren, Ryan (Amanda), Erin (significant other, Steve), Jes (Dakotaha), Janessa (Derek), Zach (Lindsay), Nick (Sidney); great grandchildren, Cameron, Christopher, Josephine, Axel, Blake, Blair; sisters-in-law, Trish Rand and JoAnn Wohlers; nieces, nephews and a host of other family and friends.
Visitation will be held from 3-5 PM at Hoy Kilnoski Funeral Home on Sunday, Oct. 11, 2026.
Memorial Service will be held at 11 AM at Hoy Kilnoski Funeral Home on Monday, Oct. 12, 2026. Final resting place at Grange Cemetery. The family will direct memorials.
