Mary Elizabeth (Ludescher) Althaus, 73, of Bellevue, passed away on Friday, August 16, 2024 at the University of Iowa hospitals and Clinics. Visitation will be held Tuesday, August 20th from 3 – 7 p.m. at the Egelhof, Siegert, and Casper Westview Funeral Home and Crematory, 2659 Kennedy Road.  Funeral mass will be held Wednesday, August 21st at 10:30 a.m. at St. Donatus Church. Burial will be in Mt. Calvary Cemetery. Click here to view the Mass of Christian Burial for Mary Althaus.

Mary was born on September 27, 1950 in Dubuque, daughter of John and Ruth (Peters) Ludescher.  She graduated from Wahlert High School and attended Clarke College.  She worked for the Iowa State Liquor Commission, Family Beer & Liquor, and she and her husband, Harry, opened Alt’s Mini Storage.

Mary was an animal whisperer her entire life, raising beloved dogs, taming feral cats lucky enough to find her, and keeping bird feeders filled with special seed for backyard songbirds.  She was a nature lover at heart.

In 1992, Mary married the love of her life, Harry. The two were the true definition of opposites attract and were a perfect couple. Together they collected a wonderful group of friends and family, and were a welcome addition at gatherings. The two spearheaded special events like the grand Easter egg hunt/kegger enjoyed by dozens of friends, family and coworkers. Mary painstakingly stuffed hundreds of plastic eggs with coins and Betty Jane candy, and kids would spill into the yard on Gardners Lane, to fill their baskets and enjoy the company of everyone who gathered. Mary was a memory maker.

Mary was notoriously frugal yet quietly generous to family, friends, and causes dear to her. She was an active volunteer and board member for Dubuque Sertoma Club, Albrecht Acres, and Holy Ghost/St. Donatus parishes. Until the very end of her life, she was genuinely interested in the lives of others. She was a keen listener and friend to all.

She is survived by her beloved husband, Harry, and step-daughter Mikayla (Matthew) Slimmer; her brother, John “Jack” (Barb) Ludescher, and by her nephews and nieces:  Mark (Vonnie) Ludescher; Chris (Heidi) Ludescher; Tom Ludescher (Sandy); Susan (Steve) LeFevre; and also many great and great great nieces and nephews; in-laws DiAnn (Terry) Rooney, Dennis (Jean Ann) Althaus, Roger (Sharon) Althaus, Linda Weretka, Rick (Pat) Althaus, Kevin (Joanie) Althaus, and their families.

She was preceded in death by her parents, brother Jimmy, a sister-in-law Judi Bartel, brother-in-law Herb Althaus Jr, mother & father-in-law Herb Sr. & LeVon Althaus.

The family gives special thanks to the caring staff at Mercy Hospital 3W and ICU at University of Iowa Hospital.

A memorial fund has been established to benefit Mary‘s favorite charities:  Camp Albrecht Acres, Stonehill Communities, & St. Donatus Church.