Mary Lou (Snell) Selzer
October 22, 1931 — July 8, 2023
Mary Lou (Snell) Selzer passed away peacefully in her home on July 8, 2023. Funeral Service: 10:30 a.m. Saturday, July 15, 2023, Shueyville United Methodist Church in Shueyville, Iowa, with visitation to begin one hour prior. A luncheon will immediately follow the service at the church. Burial will follow the luncheon at Fairfax Cemetery, Fairfax, Iowa.
Mary Lou was born on October 22, 1931, the daughter of Charles E. Snell and Mary Vanous Snell, on the Snell farm which had been in the family for 141 years. She was the twelfth child of a family of thirteen. Mary Lou attended the Walford Consolidated School and graduated in May of 1948 at the age of 16. Mary Lou went on to attend Mt. Mercy Junior College in Cedar Rapids receiving a degree in Secretarial Science. For two summers while in college she worked as a comptroller clerk on the SS Aquarama, right on the main deck where all the action was. People drove their cars right on board to save a 180-mile drive from Detroit to Cleveland. She then worked for Iowa Abstract Co. and Metropolitan Life Insurance, Farm Mortgages.
Mary Lou continued her education at the University of Iowa, receiving a B.A. degree in Education. She went on to teach 5th grade in Madison, Wisconsin and Cedar Rapids. Furthering her education at the University of Wisconsin, she received a degree in speech in radio and TV. She worked for WMT Radio for a short time before returning to teaching.
She married David L. Selzer on June 25, 1960, and enjoyed 59+ years together. They had three children - Samuel Selzer, Douglas Selzer and Daniel Selzer.
Mary Lou lived a full life and had a connection to the Methodist Church in many locations including Walford, Fairfax, Shueyville, Hayward, Wisconsin, and Corpus Christi, Texas. She was a volunteer Sunday school teacher, youth group leader, pianist, and organist. She was also a member of the United Methodist Women, AAUW, Fairfax American Legion Auxiliary, and one founder of Money Talks Investment Club.
She enjoyed many things in life. She loved theater, music, dance halls, education, and writing. Producing her own book “Things remembered, A Good life” was a special accomplishment. Travel, family vacations, and family gatherings were always enjoyed.
With David being a pilot, she had many opportunities to travel and even got to ride on the Goodyear Blimp after winning a drawing. It ended up that she and David were the only passengers for the once in a lifetime flight.
Of all the things she enjoyed and loved, faith and family were most important.
Survivors include sons Samuel (Jacinta) Selzer and Daniel (Cassidy Whitmore) Selzer and grandchildren Ben, Grace, Marcus, and Jackson.
She was proceeded in death by her parents, Charles E and Mary Vanous Snell, husband, David Selzer; son, Douglas Selzer, and all her siblings, Florence, Charles F., Mabel, Lester, Edna, Evelyn, Edward, Elmer, Raymond, Albert, Herbert, and Merl (Jack).
Memorials can be made to Discovery Living, Camp Courageous, Fairfax American Legion Auxiliary, the Shueyville Methodist Church or the donor’s choice.
Mary Lou’s wish was to have the celebration of life be a happy occasion while remembering many enjoyable years of a long life.
Mary Lou was born on October 22, 1931, the daughter of Charles E. Snell and Mary Vanous Snell, on the Snell farm which had been in the family for 141 years. She was the twelfth child of a family of thirteen. Mary Lou attended the Walford Consolidated School and graduated in May of 1948 at the age of 16. Mary Lou went on to attend Mt. Mercy Junior College in Cedar Rapids receiving a degree in Secretarial Science. For two summers while in college she worked as a comptroller clerk on the SS Aquarama, right on the main deck where all the action was. People drove their cars right on board to save a 180-mile drive from Detroit to Cleveland. She then worked for Iowa Abstract Co. and Metropolitan Life Insurance, Farm Mortgages.
Mary Lou continued her education at the University of Iowa, receiving a B.A. degree in Education. She went on to teach 5th grade in Madison, Wisconsin and Cedar Rapids. Furthering her education at the University of Wisconsin, she received a degree in speech in radio and TV. She worked for WMT Radio for a short time before returning to teaching.
She married David L. Selzer on June 25, 1960, and enjoyed 59+ years together. They had three children - Samuel Selzer, Douglas Selzer and Daniel Selzer.
Mary Lou lived a full life and had a connection to the Methodist Church in many locations including Walford, Fairfax, Shueyville, Hayward, Wisconsin, and Corpus Christi, Texas. She was a volunteer Sunday school teacher, youth group leader, pianist, and organist. She was also a member of the United Methodist Women, AAUW, Fairfax American Legion Auxiliary, and one founder of Money Talks Investment Club.
She enjoyed many things in life. She loved theater, music, dance halls, education, and writing. Producing her own book “Things remembered, A Good life” was a special accomplishment. Travel, family vacations, and family gatherings were always enjoyed.
With David being a pilot, she had many opportunities to travel and even got to ride on the Goodyear Blimp after winning a drawing. It ended up that she and David were the only passengers for the once in a lifetime flight.
Of all the things she enjoyed and loved, faith and family were most important.
Survivors include sons Samuel (Jacinta) Selzer and Daniel (Cassidy Whitmore) Selzer and grandchildren Ben, Grace, Marcus, and Jackson.
She was proceeded in death by her parents, Charles E and Mary Vanous Snell, husband, David Selzer; son, Douglas Selzer, and all her siblings, Florence, Charles F., Mabel, Lester, Edna, Evelyn, Edward, Elmer, Raymond, Albert, Herbert, and Merl (Jack).
Memorials can be made to Discovery Living, Camp Courageous, Fairfax American Legion Auxiliary, the Shueyville Methodist Church or the donor’s choice.
Mary Lou’s wish was to have the celebration of life be a happy occasion while remembering many enjoyable years of a long life.
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