Mary Jane “Dee” Gambrell, 76, of Mason City, passed away peacefully on Thursday, July 10, 2025, surrounded by her family at the Good Samaritan Care Center in New Hope, MN.
Funeral services will be 11 am Saturday, July 26, 2025 at St. John’s Episcopal Church, 120 1st St NE, Mason City, IA 50401. Inurnment will be in Osage Cemetery, Osage, IA.
Family will greet friends and relatives one hour prior to the church.
Born February 20, 1949, in Osage, Iowa, Dee was the daughter of Roy Dale and Mary Ellen (DeLaney) Groff. She was raised in her grandparents’ home in Osage, where the values of hard work, kindness, and service took root early in her life. After graduating from Osage High School in 1967, she went on to earn her bachelor’s degree in teaching from Iowa State University. Later she earned her Masters Degree from Drake University.
Her career in education was long and meaningful. Dee began teaching at South Tama County Community Schools in Toledo, where she remained until her retirement in 2004. But retirement didn’t slow her down. She moved west to Lake Tahoe, Nevada, and continued teaching at St. Theresa’s Catholic School in Carson City before eventually returning to North Iowa in 2010. Even then, she wasn’t finished. Dee continued to tutor students at NIACC and privately to local students, always driven by her belief in the power of education and her unwavering support of the kids in her care.
Dee proudly served in the Army Reserve for thirteen years and was an active member of the American Legion. Her dedication to community extended into her everyday life. She volunteered regularly at St. John’s Episcopal Church in Mason City, serving on the Altar Guild and Fellowship Team, and spent many hours working at both the church charity shop and the hospital gift shop.
She loved being busy, especially if it meant helping someone else. Dee had a heart for those who needed a little extra support, always cheering for the underdog and quietly stepping in to lend a hand. She never sought recognition or thanks. Her kindness was quiet, her perseverance steady. Even when she was hurting or in need herself, she kept it to herself, never wanting to burden anyone. She was the kind of person who simply showed up and served because it was the right thing to do.
She was a planner, a doer, and someone who made sure everyone felt welcome, included, and seen. Above all, Dee loved her family. She treasured time with her grandchildren and found joy in simply being near the people she loved. Her selflessness, quiet strength, and deep sense of purpose will be missed by all who knew her.
She leaves behind her sons, Jonathon (Christina) Gambrell of Harlem, Georgia and Joseph (fiancée Violet Devilder) Gambrell of Minneapolis, MN; beloved grandchildren, Addison, Walter, Eleanor and Margaret Gambrell; siblings, Janet Groff, Jim (Judy) Groff and Joan (Richard) West; nieces and nephews, Mac (Angie) West, Michael Groff, Kristy (Aaron) Ford, Mandi (Lance) Cook and Luke (Lindsey) West; as well as extended family, many friends and former students who were touched by her steady presence and care.
Dee was preceded in death by her parents, Roy Groff, Mary Ellen and Cornelius “Connie” Lynch; her sister, Margaret Groff; grandparents, Nanny and Bup DeLaney, Charolotte (Volkart) Groff and Roy J. and Catherine Groff.
Hogan-Bremer-Moore Colonial Chapel. 126 3rd Street NE, Mason City, IA 50401. 641-423-2372. ColonialChapels.com.
