Mary Ann Bachman

May 25, 1948 - August 11, 2015

West Bend...Mary Bachman, 67 of West Bend died Tuesday, August 11, 2015 at the Palo Alto County Hospital in Emmetsburg. Services will be held Monday, August 17, 10:30 AM at Sts. Peter and Paul's Catholic Church, West Bend with burial to follow in the West Bend Cememtery. Visitation is from 3-5 Pm Sunday at the church where a rosary will be recited at 2:45 PM. Harris Funeral Homes of West Bend is in charge of arrangements. Mary Ann (Anderson) Bachman, was born in Mason City, Iowa to Gilbert and Valetta (Thomas) Anderson on May 25th 1948. The second eldest of four children, she spent her early years on a farm near Carpenter, enjoying all the thrills and life lessons that farm living can bring to a child. Her lifelong love for animals began as she nurtured, fed and played with the many stray animals that ventured onto the farm, using the skills her parents had taught her to help others. Mary graduated from St. Ansgar High School in 1966 and threw herself into a diverse and varied work life that encapsulated everything from driving semi-trucks to working in the testing lab of Bituminous Oil. Through every job she held, and even (perhaps especially) in retirement, Mary employed her magic touch in the kitchen. Whether she was making daily meals for her co-workers, making elaborate, delicious cakes for family weddings, or rising with the sun to start the kitchen at Casey’s, Mary baked her way into dozens of hearts through just as many stomachs, none more so than her husband of more than 30 years, Wilmer “Speed” Bachman. Beyond the kitchen, Mary was also skilled with a loom and knitting needles, weaving rugs, crocheting baby blankets, sewing graduation quilts, and mending or altering clothing for neighbors, nephews and anyone else who asked (and plenty who didn’t even have to). An avid fisherman and gardener and general lover of the great outdoors, Mary and Speed loved sharing the fruits of their garden with family, neighbors and friends by freezing and canning the goods to enjoy in the winter months. And though the handicraft products of her one-woman cottage industry will be treasured by friends and family for years, it was her heart that most will remember. She was a hard-working and active member of her community of West Bend, Iowa, and a devoted, eager caretaker to anyone who was lucky enough to know and need her. She loved nothing more than to share her talents and special gifts with all who met her, and her jovial, loving spirit will be missed by her loving family, friends and neighbors. Survivors include her husband, Speed Bachman of West Bend, brothers Eugene Anderson of Carpenter, Iowa, Tom (Linda) Anderson of Minneapolis, Minnesota and sister, Sharon (Bill) Sloss of Stuart, Iowa. Special Nephew, Tom (Cathy) Fisher of Mt. Vernon, Iowa and many nephews and nieces and neighbors whom she adored greatly! She was preceded in death by her parents, Gilbert and Valetta Anderson and several aunts, uncles and cousins.