Mary Ellen Jahn

Mary Ellen (Bahmer) Jahn, age 97, a lifelong Moville, lowa resident passed from this earth to Heaven above at Holy Spirit Retirement Community, Sioux City, lowa, March 9, 2025. She requested no formal service. A graveside service will be held at 12:30 P.M. on Saturday, May 10, 2025, in Arlington Township Cemetery in Moville. A Celebration of Life Reception will take place in the Moville Community Center from 1:30 to 3:30 P.M. following burial. Please join her family and friends as we toast Mary Ellen's life well lived.

Mary Ellen was born December 30, 1927 to Joseph H. and Martha (Malone) Bahmer in Moville. She graduated from Moville High School and attended Briar Cliff College. She was a devoted lifelong member of the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, Moville.

Mary Ellen and her mother, Martha worked as switchboard operators at the telephone office in downtown Moville. She performed clerical work at St. Joseph Hospital, was a receptionist for orthopedists James Graham, MD, and later the office of Mumford, Keane and Paulsrud Orthopedics. Mary Ellen was a custodian at Woodbury Central Schools in Moville as well as REC and other businesses in town. In 1973/74 she designed and contracted the construction of her home on the structure that was once her father's blacksmith shop. She was always interested in construction of any kind and often visited construction sites around the area.

After a while, through his persistence, Alfred "Rex" Jahn finally won Mary Ellen over. They were married in 1981 and spent 28 years together. Rex and Mary Ellen loved being around people and enjoyed traveling with one another. He passed away in 2009.

She was never idle for very long. When she wasn't riding her moped with her beloved dog Jazzy in the rear basket, she quit riding at age 93, you would see her walking all around Moville, sometimes three times to and from the cemetery in one day.

Her favorite holiday was St. Patrick's Day. She would deck out in her Irish clothing with her jug of green wine, making certain to visit every business in town providing everyone around with a toast to her Irish heritage.

Mary Ellen enjoyed people, golfing, playing cards and helping others. And we must not forget, if you wanted a glass of wine, she would gladly have a glass or two with you.

She was preceded in death by her husband Rex; parents, Joseph H. and Martha Bahmer; and her brothers, Robert "Bob" Bahmer and David Bahmer killed in WWII.

She is survived by her stepson, David (Joanne) Jahn; step granddaughters, Jaci Jahn, Jessica (Nick) Rustermier, and Jennifer and her significant other, Rod Plum; step great-grandchildren; cousins; and many friends.

Her friends wish to make a collection of your memories of Mary Ellen’s escapades. Please share your thoughts and stories with us by sending them to:

MaryEllenMemories@outlook.com or mail them to:

Mary Ellen Jahn/Gloria Wahlberg

27 N 4th Street

Moville, IA 51039