Mary Ann Frederick Streit (86) passed away March 2, 2019, in Fort Collins. She was born to William and Mary Frederick in Ashton Iowa, on a farm, 1 of 6 children. She graduated from Saint Joseph’s High School. Mary Ann shortly after graduation married Anthony Streit on Jan.3, 1952. After the honeymoon Mary Ann and Tony left for Alaska to work on a construction job rebuilding the Richardson Highway. When work opportunities slowed down in Alaska, Tony and Mary returned to Iowa. They had 4 children and ran a steak house for many years in the Sibley area including 9/59 Club and Tony & Mary’s. Later on they left Iowa, moving to Fort Collins, Colorado where she continued to work in the restaurant business.
Mary Ann loved the Alaskan experience and ended up taking numerous trips to Alaska all her life. Mary Ann’s early life was full of challenges. At an early age Mary Ann had to work to support the family along with all of her siblings. She developed extraordinary work ethics and the ability to engage with all people she met. She truly loved people, sincerely wanted to get to know them, and always remember them with a smile and a laugh. She was famous for sharing stories with others.
She was so proud of her family, wanting to be involved and always asking questions, on how the grand and great grand kids were doing. A grandchild summed it up, she was an “icon” of the family. Mary Ann was well known for her kindness and gentleness to everyone she met and continued working with people in all aspects of the restaurant business until she retired at 80 years old, still waiting on tables. She provided outstanding service…but it was always about the people, it was personal, people never forgot her, she was special.
Mary Ann is survived by her son Jeff (Felicia) Streit, of Palmer, AK, daughter, Susan Wheeler of Solana Beach, CA, and daughter Laura Streit of Fort Collins, 6 grandchildren, 7 great grandchildren. Mary Ann is also survived by seven great grandchildren and her sister, Jane Wilson (Dick). Predeceased by her husband Tony, son Bradley, and her brothers Billy, Ted, Lee and Jim.
As in life, always together, Tony & Mary’s ashes will be buried next to their son Bradley at a later date in Ashton, Iowa. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations be made to the St.Jude’s Children Hospital in the name of Mary Ann Streit.
