Mary Jo Kayser, 86 of Keokuk, IA passed away Friday, May 17, 2024 at her home.
She was born August 5, 1937 in Keokuk, IA the daughter of Joseph Earl and Mary Elizabeth Rosenboom Geltz.
In October 30, 1973 Mary Jo was united in marriage to William Kayser in Keokuk. He survives.
Other survivors include three sons, Nathanial Varner (Sue) of Huxley, IA, Michael Varner (Susie) of Keokuk and Mark Young of Dallas, TX and two daughters, Debbie Meyers (Michael) of Keokuk and Julie Gibson of Keokuk. She is also survived by nine grandchildren, Kelly Lee of Keokuk, Billy Meyers (Elise) of Des Moines, IA, Corey Meyers (Lydia) of Keokuk, Kristal King (Bobby) of Keokuk, Heidi Varner of Des Moines, IA, Rachel Varner of Des Moines, IA, Daniel Varner of Des Moines, IA, Christopher Varner of Huxley, IA and Kensi Mancuso of Omaha, NE, several great-grandchildren, and one brother, Joseph Geltz (Diane) of Fort Madison, IA.
She was preceded in death by her parents, one son, Timothy Varner, one granddaughter, Heather Meyers, one great-grandson, Tyler, one great granddaughter, Elowyn and her grandparents that raised her, Joseph and Pansy Geltz.
Mary Jo had been employed at several different places through the years including Dryden/Sheller Globe, Morgan’s, Decker’s, the Iowa Army Ammunition Plant, Holiday Inn, Keokuk Area Hospital and the Chuck Wagon Restaurant.
Mary Jo enjoyed spending time outdoors soaking up the sun and going to the river front. She loved drinking coffee and visiting with her friends. She also loved cooking meals for her family and used the smoke alarm as the timer. She was a cat lover and had several pet cats.
A private family graveside service will be at the Keokuk National Cemetery in Keokuk, IA with Pastor Daniel Fox officiating.
Visitation will be held after 1 p.m., Thursday, at the Vigen Memorial Home in Keokuk, IA with family meeting with friends from 5-7 p.m.
Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.vigenmemorialhome.com
