Mary Jane Erbe

Mary Jane Erbe (née Frajman), of Marion, Iowa, was a beloved grandmother and mother during her 78 years of life. She passed away peacefully on January 16, 2025, surrounded by family. 

Mary Jane was born on October 22, 1946, to loving parents, Frank and Isabelle Frajman at Mercy Hospital in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Her father was a Marion, Iowa, police officer and later worked at LCL Transit and her mother was a homemaker. Mary Jane graduated from Regis High School in 1965, and Michael Reese School of Nursing in Chicago, Illinois, in 1968.

She was an accomplished pianist and organist, and when in grades 8-10, often accompanied the children's choir during services. She was industrious, obtaining her work permit at age 14 so she could work cleaning a local beauty shop after school. When she was 16, she worked at the Dairy Queen in Marion. When her interest turned to nursing, she worked as a nurse's aide in the geriatrics floor at Mercy Hospital. Her hours were 4-8 p.m. after school and split shifts on weekends, resulting in her often missing the last bus (8:10pm) bus to Marion. Her parents rewarded her hard work by buying her a car for work. She was also a self-taught seamstress and made beautiful clothes and gifts for friends and family.

Mary Jane met and married Ron Erbe in 1970. Mary Jane and Ronald went on to have two children, Vanessa and Gregory.

Mary Jane was predeceased by her husband Ronald, and her parents. She is survived by her two children, Vanessa and her husband, Wayne, of Marion, and Gregory and wife Christina, of Orlando, Florida; her sister, Nancy Ashby of Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin; an uncle, Richard Frajman of Cedar Rapids; her sister-in-law, Connie Leete; her brother-in-law, Dennis Erbe; several nieces and many cousins. She leaves behind her grandchildren, Ian, 18, Ethan, 17, Anna, 15, Coleman, 6 and Madison, 4.

Mary Jane loved spending time gardening, reading and cooking and all things New Orleans. Mary Jane was a dedicated “foodie” and loved trying new dishes and new cuisines, sharing a love of Cajun cuisine. Most of all, Mary Jane loved her grandchildren, spending time with them and cheering them on in all their endeavors.

There will be no local services. Inurnment will be at a later date in Northern Wisconsin.