Mary Jean Westhoff

NEW VIENNA, IOWA

Mary Jean “Toots” Westhoff, 84, of New Vienna, Iowa passed away peacefully on Friday, July 31st at Stonehill Communities in Dubuque.

Visitation will be held 3 – 7 p.m. Sunday, August 9, 2026, at Kramer-Morris Funeral Home in Dyersville, Iowa. Visitation will continue from 9 – 10 a.m. at the funeral home prior to funeral services.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, August 10, 2026, at St. Boniface Catholic Church in New Vienna, Iowa with burial in the church cemetery. Rev. David Schatz will officiate.

Mary Jean was born on July 22nd, 1942, to Gregor and Dolores (Schlarmann) Tegeler in Earlville, Iowa. She attended St Francis Xavier Schools in Dyersville, Iowa. Toots married Henry Westhoff on June 2nd, 1962, in the Basilica of St. Francis Xavier, Dyersville, Iowa. They resided in Dyersville for 3 years before moving to New Vienna. Henry preceded her in death in 2022.

Toots was a member of St. Boniface Parish and the St. Boniface Altar Society.as a member of St. Boniface Parish and the St. Boniface Altar Society.

Toots loved playing cards and spending time with her family and friends. Music held a special place in her heart, especially Polka. Many Saturday nights were happily reserved for Mollie B!

Mom began playing the accordion at the age of 12, and it remained a lifelong passion. We always enjoyed listening to her play. Christmas gatherings were especially memorable, filled with music, games, good food, and laughter. Mom and her grandchildren would often play their instruments together, while others simply sang along. Those precious moments of music, love, and togetherness will forever hold a special place in our hearts.

Toots also enjoyed traveling with Henry to support his fire department events. This created special and shared experiences while supporting Henry’s commitment to the community. These trips often found close connections with fellow firefighters and their families that turned into memorable adventures.

Survivors include her seven children: Kurt (Amy) of West Des Moines, Iowa, Brian (Judy Rosenow) of Dubuque, Iowa, Doug (Gayle) of Dyersville, Iowa, Chris (Sheri), Sally (Jeff) Vetter, both of Altoona, Iowa, Karen (Blake) Liles of Merkel, Texas, and Andy (Alisa) of Dubuque, Iowa; 15 grandchildren, and 3 great grandchildren; in-laws: Kay Westhoff, Marilee (Chuck) Koelker, both of New Vienna, Iowa, and Sandra Geistkemper, Dyersville, Iowa.

She was preceded in death by her husband, her parents, her parents-in-law, Hubert and Marie Westhoff; daughter-in-law Lynn Westhoff, brother-in-law Gerry Westhoff; siblings: Herb (Doris) Tegeler, Ray (Irene) Tegeler, Tony (Dorothy) Tegeler, Elmer (Edna) Tegeler, Gib (Sedelle, Bev) Tegeler, Don (Pat) Tegeler, Helen (Bill) Kramer, Norma (Herb Platz, Lawrence) Deppe, Leona (August) Gudenkauf, Marcie (Fritz) Bries, Lucille (Irv) Overmann, Bernice (Earl) Holub; and her stepfathers: Hubert Geistkemper, and Edmund Deutmeyer.

The family would like to extend their sincere gratitude to the staff and nurses at River Bend Retirement Community, Stonehill Community, and Hospice of Dubuque, along with Laura and her music therapy sessions. The loving and compassionate care each of you gave mom will always be remembered. Mom will be missed.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Hospice of Dubuque, River Bend Retirement Community Center in Cascade or Stonehill Communities in Dubuque, in memory of Mary Jean “Toots” Westhoff.

Kramer-Morris Funeral Home (Dyersville, Guttenberg, Garnavillo, Monticello, Holy Cross) is assisting the family and online condolences may be left for the family at www.kramer-morrisfuneralhome.com.