Mary Goranson

    Mary E. Goranson, 89, of 405 27th Ave. S., Clear Lake, died Sunday, April 29, 2012 at the Muse Norris Hospice Inpatient Unit, Mason City, Iowa.
    Memorial Mass will be 10:30 a.m., Wednesday at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, Clear Lake, with Msgr. Joseph Slepica officiating.  Family will great friends from 6-7:30 p.m. Tuesday at the Ward-Van Slyke Colonial  Chapel, Clear Lake and then one hour before the service at the church.  In lieu of flowers the family suggests a donation be

made to the Muse Norris Hospice.
     Mary Eloise Goranson was born April 2, 1923, the daughter of Thomas and Kathryn (Steil) Redding  in Garner, Iowa.  She graduated from Garner High School and Waldorf Junior College.  Mary was united in marriage to Gale Goranson on Nov. 9, 1946 in Albert Lea, Minn.  Together they raised five children, David, Kathryn, Patricia, Gale and Mark.  
     Mary was employed by the Surf Ballroom in Clear Lake.  She enjoyed meeting many of the famous big band names of the 1940’s and 50’s and was working at the Surf the night of the Buddy Holly tragedy.  
     Mary devoted her life to family and friends and always wanted to be in the company of those she loved.  She had a great sense of humor and a quick wit.  Mary enjoyed reading, boating, summer barbecues, and visits to family in Florida, Colorado, and Texas.  Mary’s favorite place was at home in Clear Lake with Gale.
     Mary was devoted to her lifelong partner, Gale, and she was never far from his side.  The two met at the Surf ballroom in 1946 when Gale was home after serving in WWII.   It was love at first sight.  Mary and Gale truly had a wonderful life together.  They celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary with family on Nov. 9, 2011.  
    Mary will be remembered as a loving wife and devoted mother.  Mary is survived by her husband, Gale; five children, David and Judy (Denver, Colo.), Kathryn and Gary Kubik (Pottsboro, Texas), Patricia and Seldon Nelson (Sioux City, Iowa) Gale and Maureen Goranson (Ft. Myers, Fla.) Mark Goranson and partner Eric Ferguson (Houston, Texas); eight grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; and brother-in-law, Don Goranson and his wife, Anne.
    Mary’s last days were spent resting quietly with family and at peace in the care of Muse Norris Hospice in Mason City.