Mariruth "Mary" E. Von Tersch

Mariruth “Mary” E. Von Tersch, 76, of Fort Dodge, IA, died Monday, September 16, 2024, at UnityPoint Health – Trinity Regional Medical Center. A gathering of family and friends will be held from 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM on Thursday, September 19, 2024, at the Historic Bruce Funeral Home, 923 1st Avenue South. Memorials may be directed to the family. Arrangements are with Historic Bruce Funeral Home of Fort Dodge. 

Mariruth was born December 7, 1947, in Fort Dodge, the daughter of Ted E. and Lucia E. (Kehm) Anderson. Mary graduated from Fort Dodge Senior High in 1966. She married Gerald “Steve” Birkey on August 13, 1973, and to this union 2 children were born: Tony and Steve. On May 1, 1999, she was united in marriage to Dean F. Von Tersch in Manson, IA. Mary's happiest moments were often spent in the kitchen, where her love for cooking and baking flourished. Her passion for cooking and baking was well-known and these activities brought her immense joy and a sense of fulfillment. Her kitchen was a haven where she expressed her creativity and love for family and friends, often transforming simple ingredients into cherished meals and treats. 

Mary is survived by her husband of 25 years: Dean F. Von Tersch of Fort Dodge; 4 children: Matthew Birkey and wife Chris of Clermont, FL, Luanne Beckmann and husband Mike of Cedar Rapids, IA, Steve Birkey and wife Nicole of Manson, and Tony Birkey of Fort Dodge; 6 step-children: Dean “Charles” C. Von Tersch and wife Ann of South Carolina, Thomas Wayne Von Tersch and wife Jami of Altoona, IA, Valerie Holdsworth and husband Dave of Carroll, IA, Brenda LaPorte and husband Tom of Urbandale, IA, Angela Chandler and husband Shaun of North Carolina and Mary Jane Roland of Murfreesboro, TN; numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren; sister: Lucia “Booie” Keele and husband Paul of Lake City, IA; brother: Kehm Anderson and wife Fran of Colorado Springs, CO; and special friend: Jody Ripper. She is also survived by her nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her first husband: Steve Birkey in 1990; sister: Barb Smith and husband Glenn; step-father: Kenny Jerde; niece: Melissa Johnson; and nephew: Jeffrey Smith.