Mary Joanne Ochs

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Mary Joanne Ochs, age 64, who departed life on April 24, 2025. Mary was born May 23, 1960, to Nicholas and Mary Zumsande, and grew up in Norway, IA, where she was the oldest of four children.

Growing up she enjoyed spending time with family and participating in activities like camping adventures, band, choir and cross country. She also enjoyed playing the piano, organ, clarinet, and saxophone. Mary graduated from Norway High School in 1978, where she also enjoyed socializing with friends and attending dances. She attended Mount Mercy College and graduated in 1983.

Mary was united in marriage to Don Ochs on September 17, 1983. They made their first home in East Amana where they welcomed two sons, Matthew and Stephen. In 1988, they moved to Ankeny, IA where Mary was a stay-at-home mom while also doing childcare before starting a career with Ankeny Community Schools in the special needs program. Mary was a deeply compassionate, and generous soul who dedicated her life to helping others, especially children with special needs. Her career was more than just work; it was a calling. She made a lasting impact on the lives of countless young people and their families.

Mary and Don are members of Our Lady’s Immaculate Heart Church where she served as a Religious Education teacher and Eucharistic Minister. She also provided side dishes for funerals when asked.

Though she experienced health challenges in recent years, Mary faced them with strength, grace, and unwavering love. She never stopped giving all of herself, always ready with kind encouraging words, an infectious smile, or a warm embrace. Her loving spirit touched everyone she met. Family, friends, and the many children whose lives she helped shape will remember her not only for what she did but for how she made them feel valued, understood, and deeply loved.

Mary and Don were truly appreciative of the support from family, friends, and their faith family. This includes Mary’s Angels, Mary’s Marauders, church members and staff, Knights of Columbus, Alzheimer’s support staff, Edencrest, Hospice, and Northwestern Mesulum Center Staff, support group members and her Ankeny Schools family. All the visits, phone calls, cards, emails, text messages, meals/cleaning, and prayerful support provided for Mary, Don, and family throughout this journey are sincerely appreciated and will not be forgotten.

Mary is survived by her loving family, husband Don; sons Matthew and Stephen (Kelly); mother Mary Zumsande; brothers Nick and Tom (Pam); and sister Carol (Steve); and her beloved grandchildren Kieran, Emery, Carter, and Hudson; along with many special nieces, nephews, in-laws, and a community who will miss her dearly.

Mary is preceded in death by her father, Nicholas Zumsande.

Family, friends, and all who knew and loved her are welcome to attend Mary’s Celebration of Life, starting with a visitation on May 1st at Caldwell Parrish Funeral Home (8201 Hickman Rd, Urbandale) from 5-7 PM. Mass of Christian Burial will be held on May 2nd at Our Lady’s Immaculate Heart Church (510 E 1st St, Ankeny) at 10:30 AM with a luncheon to follow. Burial will be at East Amana Cemetery (5199 C St, East Amana) beginning at 4PM for those who would like to join.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in her honor to Our Lady’s Immaculate Heart Church (Ankeny), Alzheimer’s Association, New Horizons (Ankeny), or Hospice of the Midwest.