Mary Ann Madrigal

Saturday, February 13, 2021 11:00 pm

Mary Ann Madrigal, age 85, of Decorah, passed away peacefully at her home with her family by her side, on Thursday, Feb. 11, 2021.

A Memorial Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 18, 2021 at St. Benedict Catholic Church in Decorah with Rev. Donald Hertges officiating.   

Visitation will begin on Thursday at 10 a.m., one hour before the service, at the church.

In consideration of concerns regarding Covid-19, wearing of a mask and social distancing is required. Fjelstul Funeral Home of Decorah is assisting with the arrangements. Online condolences may be made at fjelstul.com.

Mary Ann Bernadette (McGeough) Madrigal was born on Sept. 29, 1935 at Hall Maternity Hospital in Waukon, Iowa, to Bernard and Bernice (Meehan) McGeough.  She graduated from Waterville High School in Waterville, IA, in 1953. After high school, she was recruited by Brammer Manufacturing to work and play Women’s AAU basketball in Davenport, Iowa. Little did Mary Ann know that she would then meet her life partner, Manuel Joseph Madrigal, who played on the Brammer Manufacturing men’s team. They soon married on May 28, 1955. Shortly thereafter, Susan was born, followed by Dino, Timothy, Larry, Jon, Lisa, Charles and Andrea. After the death of their son, Tim, while Mary Ann was working at Donutland in Davenport, she was approached by Joe Whitty to purchase a Happy Joe’s Pizza and Ice Cream Parlor franchise in Decorah, Iowa. They moved half the family to Northeast Iowa and happily served the community as restaurant owners for nearly 40 years. Many employees thought of Mary Ann as their second mother, as well as an exceptional boss.

While in Decorah, Mary Ann stayed active, joining many community exercise classes, as well as playing Granny Basketball with the NE Iowa Great Dames, participating well into her 70’s. One of her personal highlights was playing at halftime during the University of Northern Iowa Women’s basketball game where her granddaughter, Rachel, played basketball.  She always loved attending her grandchildren’s numerous school and athletic events.

Mary Ann also enjoyed traveling, theater, a good glass of red wine, along with a challenging game of euchre. When playing euchre, you wanted to make sure you were Mary Ann’s partner and not her opponent. Mary Ann’s many loves included Thanksgiving gatherings at her sister’s house in Davenport with extended family, where she was known to be the best mashed potato maker in the world! Mary Ann enjoyed watching any and all sports that included a ball, sitting outside in the sunshine, and watching the parade at Nordic Fest where she visited with friends, customers and former employees. The Winneshiek County Fair was also one of her favorite outings. Mary Ann enjoyed participating in the ‘Old Lady Luncheon’ with former employees. Proud of her Irish Heritage, Mary Ann attended quite a few Milwaukee Irish Festivals with her family and friends.

Mary Ann is survived by her seven children: Susan (Michael) Keith of Bettendorf, IA, Dino (Sandy) Madrigal of Davenport, IA, Larry (Janet) Madrigal of Joliet, IL, Jon (Marcia) Madrigal of Decorah, Lisa (Dan) Coate of Polk City, IA, Charlie Madrigal of Vicenza, Italy, Andrea (Ron) Heins of Decorah and tabby cat Ellie.

Grandchildren: Jason (Kristi) Briggs of Phoenix, AZ, Jennifer (Garrett) Weymouth of Glen Ellyn, IL, Michael Madrigal of Naperville, IL, Matthew Madrigal of Chicago, IL, Elizabeth (Ryan) Graf of Madison, WI, Rachel (Ryan) Grenko of Cedar Falls, IA, Anna Madrigal (special friend Ryan Crum) of Madison, WI.

Great-grandchildren: Elsa Weymouth, Alex Weymouth, Colton Briggs, Caleb Briggs, Sophia Graf, Oliver Grenko, Amelie Grenko.

Sibling: Richard (Bridget dec.) McGeough of Port St. Lucie, FL, Colleen Crosthwaite of Modesto, CA, Kathleen (Rick) Eshelman of Davenport, IA and Jane (Mike) Sullivan of Evergreen Park, IL.

Mary Ann is also survived by many loving nieces, nephews and cousins.

She was preceded in death by husband, Manny Madrigal on March 7, 2016, one son, Tim Madrigal on July 24, 1976, her parents Bernard and Bernice (Meehan) McGeough and parents in-law Luis and Luisa Madrigal.

“Be not burdened with tears of sorrow

Enjoy the sunshine of tomorrow.” ~ Irish Blessing