BOW VALLEY — Mary Stella Kuehler, 97, Bow Valley, died Oct. 7, 2023, at the Arbor Care Center, Hartington.

Mass of Christian Burial was Oct. 14, at 10:30 a.m., at the Holy Family (Sts. Peter and Paul) Catholic Church, Bow Valley, with Rev. Dan Wittrock officiating.

Burial was in Sts. Peter and Paul Cemetery, Bow Valley.

Pallbearers were her sons, Richard, Joe, Martin, Francis, Roger, Donovan and Arlan Kuehler; and son-in- law, Robert Hamilton.

Visitation was held Friday, from 5-8 p.m., with a Vigil Service at 7 p.m., at the church. Visitation continued Saturday, one hour prior to services. The Wintz Funeral Home, Hartington, assisted with the arrangements.

Mary Stella was born Aug. 15, 1926, in Bow Valley, to Peter J. and Margaret (Wortmann) Becker. She grew up and spent most of her life in Bow Valley and nine years in St. James, from 1947-1956. She lived the last four years of her life at Arbor Care, Hartington. She married the love of her life and partner Jerome Conrad Kuehler Nov. 19, 1947, in Bow Valley. She worked at Gurney’s Seed & Nursery for 14 years and farmed with her husband, Jerome.

Mary was a member of Holy Family (Sts Peter and Paul) Catholic Church, Christian Mothers and the Ladies Auxiliary. She enjoyed traveling with family and crocheted many quilts, afghans and baptismal gowns. She volunteered for Meals on Wheels and at the nursing home in Hartington.

Mary Stella is survived by 10 children, Richard and Linda Kuehler, Yankton, S.D.; Joe and Mary Kuehler, Columbus; Martin and Joy Kuehler, Wichita, Kan.; Dolorita Rauch, Pierce; Mary Joan Lyon, Norfolk; Francis and Mary Pat Kuehler, Humphrey; Roger Kuehler, Pierce; Donovan and Marcia Kuehler, Columbus; Carol and Robert Hamilton, Hartington; Arlan Kuehler, Creston; 41 grandchildren, 85 great-grandchildren and 11 greatgreat- grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Jerome, Jan. 4, 2012, at the age of 86; daughter and her husband, Margaret and Donald Carda; son-in-law, Richard Lyon; sister, Theresa Moser; and a brother, Joe Becker.