Marie Phelan, 96 of rural Le Mars, Iowa, passed away Friday, February 10, 2023 at her home.

Funeral Service will be 1:00 p.m., Wednesday, February 15, 2023 at Christ Lutheran Church – Grant Township in rural Le Mars with Pastor Trish Underberg officiating. Visitation with the family present will begin at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday at the church and will continue until service time. Burial will follow at the church cemetery. Arrangements are with Rexwinkel Funeral Home of Le Mars. Expressions of sympathy may be expressed to the family through www.rexwinkelfh.com .

Marie Charlotte Marienau was born on February 22, 1926 to Henry W. and Tena (Frerichs) Marienau on the Marienau family farm in rural Plymouth County, Iowa. She was baptized and confirmed at Christ Lutheran Church – Grant Township and attended Grant #8 country school. On December 6, 1944, she was united in marriage to Raymond D. Phelan. They made their home on a farm in Grant Township, rural Le Mars. Ray passed away on September 16, 1960. Marie continued to live and work on their farm until she passed away.

When her children were a little older, Marie completed her GED and went on to receive her license as an LPN. She worked for a number of years as an LPN at St. Luke's Hospital in Sioux City before she retired in 1986.

Marie was a lifetime member at Christ Lutheran Church – Grant Township and was a member of the ladies circle. She liked music; she would often be whistling hymns while working in the kitchen. She enjoyed working outside on the farm taking care of the fields and crops; but she also tended to the trees and flowers she planted. She loved taking care of others, especially her patients at St. Luke's. She will be greatly missed by her family.

Marie is survived by her seven children: Allan (Brenda) Phelan of Le Mars, Gene Phelan of Le Mars, Randall (Deb) Phelan of Boise, ID, Robert Phelan of Le Mars, Roy Phelan of Le Mars, Julie Phelan of Le Mars, and Joleen Phelan of Le Mars; five grandchildren: Tyler Phelan of Le Mars, Brandon (Sarah) Phelan of Le Mars, Justin Phelan (special friend, Kelly Van Wyk) of Le Mars, Jacqueline (Matt) DeBoer of Urbandale, IA, and Ashley (Eric) Jones of Cedar Rapids, IA; five great grandchildren: Brooks Phelan, Hudson, Levi, and Carter DeBoer; and baby Jones on the way; nieces, and nephew: Randy (Richard) Oetken, Jim (Verda) Marienau, and Shirley Lang; and other extended relatives.

Marie is preceded in death by her parents; husband, Ray; siblings: John (Marie) Marienau, Henry (Evelyn) Marienau, and Kathryn (Carl) Ahrendt; niece, Roxanne Ahrendt; nephew, Marlowe Ahrendt; nephew in law, Norman Lang; and great nephew, Jon Marienau.