Mary Pohlner, 65, Boone, Iowa
BOONE, Iowa—Mary Pohlner, 65, of Boone, passed away Wednesday, June 24, 2026, at Mary Greeley Medical Center in Ames, after a strong and courageous eight-month journey with cancer. Throughout her illness, Mary faced each day with remarkable strength and a positive spirit, continuing to show up for those she loved.
Mary was born on February 7, 1961, in Boone, the daughter of Joseph and Nellie (Clark) Keenan. She grew up on the family farm southwest of Ogden alongside her five older brothers, who never missed an opportunity to tease and protect their little “sis.” She attended school in Ogden and graduated from Ogden High School with the Class of 1979.
Mary was united in marriage to her husband, Robert Pohlner, on May 25, 1979, at the Church of the Sacred Heart in Boone. Together, they welcomed two daughters. They made their home in Ogden for 20 years before building their home in 2001 outside of town, where they created countless memories with their family.
Mary spent over 20 years working for Principal Financial Group in Ames. In 2012, she joined Mary Greeley Medical Center, where she remained employed until the time of her passing.
Mary was a member of the Church of the Sacred Heart in Boone and St. John’s Catholic Church in Ogden. She enjoyed decorating her home, crafting, sewing, and shopping for the perfect purse. She always prepared far more food than anyone could eat, making sure no one ever left hungry. If Robert or Kerri had a project, Mary knew she was about to be recruited. Whether she volunteered or not, she helped bring their visions to life, and those projects became some of their favorite memories together.
Nothing brought Mary greater joy than being “Nana.” She rarely missed a game, recital, or school event, cherishing every opportunity to cheer on her grandchildren, celebrate their accomplishments, and spoil them with too many toys.
She was preceded in death by her parents; infant daughter, Sarah LuAnn Pohlner; and her three brothers, Joe Keenan, Tom Keenan, and Bill Keenan.
Mary is survived by her husband of 47 years, Robert Pohlner of Boone; daughter, Kerri (Tyler) Lynch of Owatonna, MN, and their children, Gracelyn, Corbyn, and Lillian; two brothers, Jim (Chris) Keenan of Indianola and Tim Keenan of California; sister-in-law, Penelope (Mike) Bloem of Waverly, and numerous nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be held on Thursday, July 2, 2026, from 5:00 to 7:00 P.M. at the Schroeder-Reimers Memorial Chapel, 1006 6th Street in Boone, with a Rosary recited at 4:45 PM. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, July 3, 2026, at 10:30 A.M. at the Church of the Sacred Heart, 915 12th Street, Boone, with Rev. Timothy Johnson officiating. Burial will be in Sacred Heart Cemetery in Boone.
Funeral arrangements are under the direction of the Schroeder-Reimers Memorial Chapel at Sixth and Marshall Streets in Boone. Online condolences may be left to Mary’s family atwww.schroedermemorialchapel.com
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