Mary Margaret Wellenstein

Mary Margaret Wellenstein, 63, of Ponca, NE passed away Monday, November 16, 2009 at the Elms Health Care Center in Ponca. Funeral services will be held Friday, November 20, 2009 at 10:30 A.M. at St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Ponca, with Father David Liewer officiating. Burial will be in Calvary at Southcreek Cemetery in rural Ponca. Visitation with the family present will begin at 5:00 P.M. on Thursday, November 19, 2009, with a scriptural prayer service at 7:00 P.M. at the church. Arrangements are under the direction of Mohr Funeral Home in Ponca. Online condolences may be sent at www.mohrfuneralhome.com.Mary was born August 2, 1946 to Tom and Mildred (Gormally) Kneifl and was raised on a farm outside of Newcastle, NE. She graduated from Mount Marty High School in Yankton, SD, then moved to Ponca in 1964 and worked at the ASCS Office. She married William J. Wellenstein on June 28, 1968 and lived on a farm in the South Creek area near Ponca. As a member of the St. Joseph Catholic Church, she taught religious classes for several years and was a member of the Altar Society and Nocturnal Adoration Society.Her husband and children will be forever grateful for her enthusiasm, love and constant support in their lives. Mary touched many with her kindness, consideration, integrity and generosity. She loved to laugh and be with family and friends. Special friendships were developed because of her hospitality and outstanding cooking abilities. When God called her home, her family was present and surrounded her with love and support in her final days. Mary has blessed us with being a wonderful lady, wife and mother.Mary is survived by her husband, William of Ponca, NE; son, Brian of Columbus, NE; daughter, Kristi of Los Angeles, CA; parents, Tom and Mildred Kneifl of Newcastle, NE; brothers, Tom and Lou Ann Kneifl and Bart and Chris Kneifl, all of Newcastle, NE; sisters, Joan Vance of Omaha, NE and Ann and Larry Guenther of Arvada, CO.She was preceded in death by an infant son, Paul Jude and an infant brother.Casket bearers will be Bob Hayes, Greg Kneifl, Tonya Gordon, Ashley Guenther, Jim Cox and Jim Nelson.