Mary Bellis age 96 of Fairbank passed away Monday, February 3, 2020 at MercyOne Oelwein Senior Care. She was born May 16, 1923 in Oelwein the daughter of Adolph and Herma (Minton) Nieman. Mary grew up in Fairbank and attended the Fairbank Public School. After graduating in 1940 she went to the American Institute of Business (AIB) College in Des Moines and earned her degree as a Court Reporter.
Mary moved to Washington, D.C. in 1941 where she married Earl R. Bellis of Randalia, Iowa on February 12, 1943. They had two children, Robert and Carolyn, both born while living in Washington, D.C. Mary worked as a Court Reporter for the Office of Price Administration (OPA), the Department of Navy and the U.S. War College in Washington, D.C. In 1951 the returned to Fairbank because of her father’s failing health. Mr. Nieman was President of the Fairbank State Bank. Earl began working at the bank and eventually took over his father-in-law’s position. In 1950 Mary began working at the bank and remained there for 52 years until she retired in 2002.
Mary was a very active member of the community. She was a longtime member of St. John’s Lutheran Church and belonged to the LWML (Lutheran Women Missionary League) She was a Ladies Aid member of St. John’s and held many different offices as well as teaching Sunday School for several years. Mary was a member of the American Legion Auxiliary and the Fairbank Community Club. She enjoyed her family and grandchildren, card clubs, bowling and gambling.
Mary is survived by her son Robert (Jean) of Fairbank and her daughter Carolyn McLaughlin of Emeryville, California, two grandsons; Jeff (Julie) Bellis of Dubuque and Ryan (McKayla) of Fairbank, six great- grandchildren; Carsen, Chace and Cain of Dubuque, Blayde, Brylee and Bryar of Fairbank. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Earl and a her son-in-law, Steve McLaughlin.
Funeral Services: 10:30am Friday, February 7, 2020 at St. John’s Lutheran Church, Fairbank.
Scripture Service: 7:00 pm Thursday, February 6, 2020 at Woods Funeral Home.
Visitation: 4:00-7:00 pm Thursday, February 6, 2020 at Woods Funeral Home and for one hour before services Friday at the church.
Interment: Fairbank Cemetery.
Memorials: may be directed to the family for later designation.
Condolences for Mary Kay Bellis
I will miss her greatly. She was a wonderful lady! I shared many great stories with her over the last couple years.
Mary was a great lady. She was a great friend to my mom (Charlotte McGrane)they would go gambling together when my mom was alive. She will be missed. My thoughts and prayers go out to Mary’s family and friends.
My sympathy for the loss of your mother, grandmother and great-grandmother.
Bob and family….your mother will be greatly missed by many. I remember her always having a smile on her face
Thoughts and prayers for the Bellis family.
Mary and I shared many laughs when I worked with her at the bank. Her and Earl were always so patient and kind to me and my family- very cherished memories- from Pat Ludwig