Mary Ann (Waggoner) Athen

Mary Ann Athen, 77, of Omaha, Nebraska, formerly of Hamburg, Iowa, passed away peacefully at her home on Thursday, July 2, 2026.

Mary Ann was born on November 5, 1948, in Iowa City, Iowa, to Leo and Dorothy "Dottie" (Marek) Waggoner. She was raised in Iowa and graduated from St. Joseph Academy in 1967 before earning her bachelor's degree in Elementary Education from Iowa State University in 1971.

Mary Ann began her teaching career in Hamburg, Iowa, and later taught at Lourdes Central Catholic School in Nebraska City before concluding her career with Nebraska City Public Schools. Throughout her years in education, she was a dedicated and compassionate teacher who genuinely cared for each of her students. She had a lasting impact on countless young lives, and many former students fondly remembered Mrs. Athen as their favorite teacher.

While attending Iowa State University, Mary Ann met the love of her life, Craig Athen. They were united in marriage on November 28, 1970, in Ames, Iowa. Together, they built a loving home and were blessed with three sons: Courtney, Blake, and Andrew.

Mary Ann's Catholic faith was the foundation of her life and guided the way she lived, served others, and loved her family. She lived with quiet humility, kindness, and generosity, always placing the needs of others before her own. Whether she was teaching in the classroom, spending time with family, or supporting those around her, she did so with patience, grace, and an unwavering sense of compassion. Her greatest joy was being a wife, mother, and grandmother, and she treasured every opportunity to spend time with her children and grandchildren. Her legacy of faith, love, and service will continue to live on through the many lives she touched.

Those left to cherish her memory include her husband of 55 years, Craig Athen of Omaha, Nebraska; her sons, Courtney Athen (Jessica) of Sidney, Iowa, Blake Athen (Sara) of Omaha, Nebraska, and Andrew Athen (Sarah Jane) of Omaha, Nebraska; seven grandchildren: Lillie, Landon, Oliver, Lydia, Elizabeth, Audrey, and Anna; her siblings, David Waggoner (Lisa) and Greg Waggoner (Carol), both of Crystal Lake, Illinois; Cathy Porter (Jim) of Madison, Wisconsin; Sue Cimino (Bob) of Omaha, Nebraska; Brad Waggoner (Kathy) of Waukee, Iowa; and Brian Waggoner (Julie) of Clive, Iowa; along with many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Leo and Dorothy "Dottie" Waggoner, and her parents-in-law, Allen and Betty Athen.

A Funeral Mass will be held on Friday, July 10, 2026 at St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church in Omaha, NE at 10:30 a.m. with Fr. Lyle Johnson officiating. The family will greet friends from 5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. on Thursday (7/9) at Mary Our Queen Catholic Church with the recitation of the Rosary at 7:00 p.m.

Memorials may be directed to Tabitha Hospice or Catechesis of the Good Shepherd (CGS).

Eternal rest grant unto her, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon her. May she rest in peace. Amen.

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