Mary Jane Vaassen (Ginter), 81, of Dubuque, was called to heaven on Sunday, January 21, 2024 at her home. She was surrounded by her loving family during her final moments.

A prayer service will be held at 2:45 pm Thursday, January 25, 2024 at Holy Spirit Parish – Holy Trinity Catholic Church followed by visitation until 7:00 pm.

The Mass of Christian Burial for Mary Jane will be 10:30 am Friday, January 26, 2024, at Holy Spirit Parish – Holy Trinity Catholic Church with Father Steven Garner as the Celebrant.

Born on August 16, 1942, in Cuba City, Wisconsin, to George and Frances B. (Schardt) Ginter, Mary Jane was a lifelong resident of the area. She was united in holy matrimony to Eugene Vaassen on July 7, 1962, in Dickeyville, Wisconsin, and together they shared over six decades of love and devotion.

Mary Jane was raised in Dickeyville, Wisconsin. She graduated from Wahlert High School in 1960 and pursued her passion for nursing. In 1961, she received her LPN and dedicated herself to providing compassionate care to patients. Mary Jane’s commitment to her profession led her to further her education, and at the age of 40, she went back to NICC to obtain her Associate’s Degree in Nursing, graduating in 1983. She worked as a nurse at Mercy Hospital in Dubuque for an impressive 44 years, leaving a lasting impact on the lives she touched.

Mary Jane had a rich and fulfilling life filled with wonderful experiences. Her commitment to her faith was evident through her active involvement in the Holy Trinity Catholic Church, where she served as a lay minister, Teresian group member, and choir member. Mary Jane’s dedication to spiritual values was truly inspiring.

Family was at the center of Mary Jane’s world, and she cherished every moment spent with her grandchildren. Their presence brought her immense joy and happiness. Her unbeatable streak in euchre, dice games, and other card games was legendary ~ let’s just say the house always won.

Mary Jane and her beloved husband, Gene, embarked on numerous adventures together. They traveled with friends and family to six continents, exploring various destinations and engaging in exciting activities. Cruises, mountain trips, and dancing were among their favorite pastimes. Mary Jane and Gene were avid dancers, proficient in ballroom, country, round, Latin, and square dancing. They often spent entire weekends out of town, enjoying their shared passion for dance.

In addition to her love for dancing, Mary Jane had a green thumb and was a master gardener. Her garden was a testament to her passion for nature and beauty, adorned with a vast collection of flowers. She found great joy in nurturing and tending to her plants.

Mary Jane’s creative side was evident in her quilting projects and other arts and crafts. She poured her heart and soul into these endeavors, creating beautiful and meaningful pieces.

Mary Jane will be deeply missed by her family, friends, and all who had the pleasure of knowing her. Her kind and loving spirit, unwavering faith, and zest for life will forever be remembered.

Survivors include her husband, Gene; one daughter, Lynne Vaassen of Houston, TX; three sons, Steve (Kristin) Vaassen of Dubuque, Gary (Stacia) Vaassen of Hazel Green, WI, and Randy (Mimi) Vaassen of Dubuque; 14 grandchildren, Alexandria (Cory) Vaassen-Damian, Zach Vaassen, Zoe (Quincy) Kalkbrenner, Jacob (Kyle) Vaassen, Alex Vaassen, Ezra Vaassen, Molly Johannsen, Isabella Vaassen, Adler Vaassen, Leyton Vaassen, Evan Vaassen, Lucas Vaassen, Thomas “TJ” Frith III and Austin Frith; one brother, Eugene Ginter of Dickeyville; and one sister, Rose (Joe) Vosberg of Kieler.

A special tail-wagging shout-out to Gracie, our loving family Rat Terrier who was always by Mary Jane’s side, from morning kisses to nestling at the end of her bed, she was there for her. The family would also like to extend a special thank you to Hospice of Dubuque for their compassionate care.

Hoffmann Schneider & Kitchen Funeral Home and Crematory is in care of the arrangements.

A photo tribute can be viewed and condolences sent to the family by visiting Mary Jane’s obituary at www.hskfhcares.com.