Marie L. Casey, age 93, of Ida Grove, Iowa, took her Lord and Saviors hand on Wednesday, December 3, 2025, at Golden Horizons Senior Living, in Ida Grove, Iowa.
A Memorial Mass was held at 11:00 a.m., with visitation held one hour prior from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., Wednesday, December 10, 2025, at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Ida Grove, Iowa. Father Richard D. Ball and Father William A. McCarthy officiating.
The Christensen-Van Houten Funeral Home of Ida Grove, Iowa, was in charge of the funeral arrangements.
Marie Lucille Casey, born March 2, 1932, was the youngest of five children welcomed by Henry and Katie Mertens of Defiance, Iowa. She grew up surrounded by music and faith, attending Saint Peter’s School, where her natural talent at the piano made her a cherished part of the school orchestra.
After graduating in 1949, Marie continued her education at the College of St. Mary’s in Omaha. She began her professional life at Mutual of Omaha. She worked until she married the love of her life, William “Bill” Casey on June 11, 1953, in the chapel at Saint Cecilia’s Cathedral in Omaha, Nebraska. Together, they made their home on the Casey family farm near Griswold, where they built a rich and fulfilling life. There they raised their three children: Richard, Colleen, and Becky.
Marie devoted herself to her role as a homemaker, shaping her days around the rhythms of farm life. In 2010, she and Bill moved to Ida Grove to be closer to her Iowa family, a decision that brought her great comfort and connection. Simple and content at her core, Marie had a gentle spirit and an unwavering habit of putting others before herself. She treasured every opportunity to gather with her mother and siblings, rarely missing a family get-together. Her life was deeply rooted in faith; she began and ended each day with prayer and continued lifting her family in prayer until the moment she went home to her Lord.
Her greatest joy came from being with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Marie loved sharing stories with them, tales of growing up during the Great Depression, memories of farm life, and reflections that always seemed to carry a quiet wisdom. These moments of connection were her gifts to the generations she cherished.
Marie passed away peacefully on Wednesday, December 3, 2025 at Golden Horizons Assisted Living in Ida Grove, where she had made her home since Bill’s passing in 2016.
She was preceded in death by her beloved husband William “Bill” Casey; her parents Henry and Katie Mertens; her siblings: Ellen (Ray) Rosmann, Virginia (Richard) Thomas, Kathryn (Frank) Casey, and Robert Mertens; and her grandson-in-law, Jason Jaeger.
Marie is lovingly remembered by her children: Richard Casey of Tigard, Oregon, Colleen (Kevin) Peach of Shelton, Washington, and Becky (Dan) Matthies of Arnold’s Park, Iowa. She is also survived by her grandchildren Lori Jaeger, Jenny (Visith) Xayavongsa, Kathryn (Izzy) Reger, Jacob (Saige) Matthies, Jordan (Bennett) Feuchtenberger, and JoAnna Matthies; great-grandchildren Hannah, Laya, Mason, Emmett, and Loretta; sister-in-law Jeanette Mertens of Fonda, Iowa; and many nieces, nephews, and dear friends.
A graveside service for Marie Casey will be held on Saturday, June 20, 2026, at 11:00 AM, at Pleasant Township Cemetery, south of Griswold. Rieken Duhn Funeral Home in Griswold is assisting with local arrangements.
