Mary Ann’s Obituary Mary Ann Frederick Streit (86) passed away March 2, 2019, in Fort Collins. She was born to William and Mary Frederick in Ashton Iowa, on a farm, 1 of 6 children. She graduated from Saint Joseph’s High School.
Her nick name was “Flash” which reflected her unlimited energy for being with people and often the life of the party. She loved to dance and enjoyed the big bands at the time, often traveling to towns for the next dance. Mary Ann shortly after graduation married Anthony Streit on Jan.
3, 1952, it was -20 degrees. The weather must have been an omen, for after the honeymoon Mary Ann and Tony left for Alaska to work on a construction job rebuilding the Richardson Highway. This was an exciting time for both Tony and Mary, however when work opportunities slowed down in Alaska, Tony and Mary returned to Iowa.
They had 4 children and ran a steak house for many years in the Sibley area including 9/59 Club and Tony & Mary’s. Later on they left Iowa for another adventure, moving to Fort Collins, Colorado where she continued to work in the restaurant business at the Elks and the Charcoal Broiler. Mary Ann loved the Alaskan experience and ended up taking numerous trips to Alaska all her life.
She especially enjoyed taking trips in the float plane to see the state. Mary Ann’s early life was full of challenges. Her family lost their farm in the depression, then the family opened a café in town, which was damaged by a fire, however, they carried on.
World War 2 came and things were tough. At an early age, Mary Ann had to work to support the family along with all of her siblings. She developed extraordinary work ethics and the ability to engage with all people she met.
She truly loved people, sincerely wanted to get to know them, and always remembered them with a smile and a laugh. She was famous for sharing stories with others, some took the stories at face value, but if you really listened closely, she was sharing with you, insight into our lives that made each of us a better person. Mary Ann was fearless, she always faced any hardship or challenge head on, but always uncomplaining and with a smile on her face.
She was so proud of her family, wanting to be involved and always asking questions, on how the grand and great grand kids were doing and wanting to know every detail of their accomplishments, often writing them down so she wouldn’t forget. A grandchild summed it up, she was an “icon” of the family. She gave unwavering, unconditional support to her entire family.
Mary Ann was well known for her kindness and gentleness to everyone she met and continued working with people in all aspects of the restaurant business until she retired at 80 years old, still waiting on tables. She provided outstanding service…but it was always about the people, it was personal, people never forgot her, she was special. Mary Ann is survived by her son Jeff (Felicia) Streit, of Palmer, AK, daughter, Susan Wheeler of Solana Beach, CA, and daughter Laura Streit of Fort Collins.
Grandchildren Travis Wheeler, Jessica (Joey) Greenberg, Landon Streit, Ashley (Jay) Robinson, Greg Stocker and Garrett Streit. Mary Ann is also survived by seven great grandchildren and her sister, Jane Wilson (Dick). Predeceased by her husband Tony, son Bradley, and her brothers Billy, Ted, Lee and Jim.
There will be a service for Mary Ann at the St. Joseph’s Catholic Church on March 8th at 2:00 PM in Fort Collins. As in life, always together, Tony & Mary’s ashes will be buried next to their son Bradley at a later date in Ashton, Iowa. In lieu of flowers, family suggest that memorial donations be made to the St.Jude’s Children Hospital in the name of Mary Ann Streit.
Mary Ann dedicated her life to her family and friends and will be greatly missed by all of us.
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