Mary Jane Long (Rostermundt), 78, of Perry passed away peacefully Saturday, Aug. 30, 2025.
A Celebration of Life service will take place Oct. 10 at 2 p.m. at the Caldwell Parrish Funeral Home-Perry Chapel at 1721 Park St. in Perry. Visitation will begin at 1 p.m. Mary will be laid to rest at Mt. Olivet Cemetery in Manilla, Iowa.
Mary was born to Carl and Inez (Freml) Rostermundt Nov. 5, 1946. She was born and raised in Crawford County, Iowa, and was the second eldest of 12 Rostermundt children.
Mary took after her mother and grandmother with her exceptional and frugal talents in the home, kitchen and garden. She was a born caretaker and nurturer, helping to raise her younger siblings.
Mary became a gifted seamstress at an early age, creatively sewing for herself and her sisters. She was a self-taught hairstylist, a gift she shared with her family over the years.
According to her brothers and sisters, she was a patient, creative and extraordinary sister.
Mary graduated from Manilla High School in 1964.
Robert Long and Mary Jane Rostermundt were united in marriage Aug. 8, 1964, in Manilla. The new couple settled in Perry, where Robert worked at Oscar Mayer and their children were born and raised. Mary mastered her homemaking skills as she stayed home and raised her four children.
As her children grew older, Mary explored local careers and volunteer opportunities beyond homemaking. One of her favorite jobs outside of the home was flower arranging at Flowers by Joyce. This talent as a floral arranger came all too natural with her creative abilities.
At the Hotel Pattee, Mary excelled in upholding their five-star rating as a banquet coordinator for special events for 10 years.
Through her children’s education, Mary volunteered for St. Patrick Catholic School and Church. With her artistic talents, she enjoyed making the oversized felt banners for the church and was a part of the church choir.
In all her endeavors, she passed on her life lessons, Christian values and exceptional work ethic to her children and grandchildren.
The Long family welcomed visitors with an open door. Friends and family enjoyed a hot cup of coffee and Mary’s homemade treats. Guests were always sent home with something good to eat. Mary was tenacious in her ability to give to others in a way that surpassed caring. It was her incredible way of making each moment and project feel special.
Mary was the humble and wise matriarch of a talented and adventurous family. She and Bob both took great pleasure in supporting their athletic children and grandchildren with their sports careers and school-based activities. Her grandchildren loved cooking with grandma in the warm kitchen, making crafts out of nothing and tending to her vegetable and flower gardens together.
She was resourceful and always had the ability to turn the least of things into something remarkable. Mary’s lifetime of perseverance, creativity and wisdom will continue to inspire generations after her.
Mary was preceded in death by her parents, Carl and Inez; siblings, Carole Chapman, Charles Rostermundt, Michele Olson and Michael Rostermundt; and brother-in-law, Daryl Chapman.
Mary is survived by her husband of 61 years, Robert; children, S. Robert Long, Deborah Long, Sheila (Paul) Beuter and Joseph Long; grandchildren, Ashley (Emily) Anderson, Amanda Blaker, Elyse Blaker and Andrew (Kylie) Blaker, Carl Beuter and Audrey Beuter, Jordan Long and Isaac Hoffman; siblings, Kathleen (Duane) Wenck, Connie (Rod) Huffaker, Kenneth (Vivian) Rostermundt, Patricia Lewis, Joan Rostermundt, Diane (Kent) Van Zee and Jean (Anthony) Gurule; and brother-in-law, Allen Olson.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the family to be designated at a later date in Mary’s memory. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.caldwellparrish.com.
