Mary Herrick

Mary Herrick, 71 of Urbandale, Iowa entered eternal rest Thursday, May 2, 2024 at the Iowa Jewish Life Center in Des Moines, Iowa.  Funeral services will be 11 AM, Tuesday, May 7, 2024 at Pearson Family Funeral Service & Cremation Center in Corning, Iowa.  Rev. Jessica Paulsen will officiate.  Mary will be laid to rest in the Oak Hill Cemetery, south of Corning.  Visitation will be 3-7 PM, Monday, May 6, 2024 with family receiving friends from 5-7 PM at the funeral home.  Memorial contributions may be directed to the Iowa Genealogical Society and/or Reiman Gardens at Iowa State University.  Memories and condolences can be shared online at www.pearsonfuneralhomes.com.

Mary Jean Herrick was born in Gilman, Iowa on November 19, 1952, the only child born to Aubrey Duane and Margery Jean (King) Herrick.  Mary was raised and educated in Waterloo, Iowa and graduated from Waterloo High School.  Mary then attended Iowa State University where she received her undergraduate degree.  She continued her education and earned her Master’s degree from Drake University.  

Returning to Waterloo, Mary began a long and successful career with John Deere Tractor Works in January 1979.  She worked for the Minneapolis Sales Branch in Montana from 1984-1988 calling on John Deere Dealers and customers.  Mary later returned to Des Moines and continued her work for John Deere Financial in Johnston, Iowa.  Mary retired after 30+ years of service.

Mary had many passions in life including her family, tending to her flower gardens, Art and Photography.  Mary also loved to travel and took her parents on many trips.  Mary took her mom to France where they visited Monet’s Garden, among other sites.  She also traveled many overseas places with her friends over the years.  Mary won many ribbons at the Iowa State Fair for her Photography and volunteered for many years at the Photography Salon at the Fair.  She loved attending different Art shows where she sold her photography.  Mary was a long-time season ticket holder at the Des Moines Playhouse and the Des Moines Civic Center.

Preceding Mary in death was her father; grandparents; several aunts and uncles:  Oburn and Marilyn Herrick; Pat and Duane Zuck; Helen and Delmar Henry; Allen McManis and David King; cousins: Mike Zuck and Cathy Herrick Cinnamon, and her special cousin, Ray Thomas.

Mary is survived by her mother, Margery Herrick of Waterloo, Iowa; aunts: Eleanor McManis of Corning, Iowa; Glessna King of Wamego, Kansas; and cousins:  Becky (Jeff) Hedinger of Corning, Iowa; Rick (Peggy) McManis of Adel, Iowa; Mike (Darla) King of Wamego, Kansas; Jim King of Winter Spring, Florida; Debbie Miller of Dacula, Georgia; and Dan Henry (significant other, Susan Turner) of Titusville, Florida; Zuck cousins: Terri and Jerry; Herrick cousins: Jim, Jeff and Linda. Mary is also survived by her special friends, Charley and Cathy Starnes of Des Moines, Iowa, and too many coworkers from John Deere and close friends to name.  She will be missed by all who knew and loved her.