Obituaries : Mary Colleen (Teneyck) Woeste

Mary Colleen Woeste, 86, was born in Iowa City, Iowa, on September 4, 1938, the daughter of Francis B. Teneyck and Gladys (Blank) Teneyck. She went home to Vinton, Iowa, ten days later, where she would reside until graduating from Iowa Braille & Sight Saving School in 1956. While attending school, she loved English and music class. She looked forward to the yearly track meet in Minnesota, and participated in the broad jump, the basketball throw (which she held the record for many years), and the fifty- and sixty-yard dash. Some of her favorite memories were roller skating around "the oval" on school grounds, walking to the downtown area with classmates, and riding her bicycle on weekend visits with the neighborhood kids.

Mary moved to Cedar Rapids, Iowa, at 19 years old, where she worked as an X-ray technician for St. Luke's Hospital, then as a film developer at Times Photo. She was united in marriage to Harold Reeves in 1962. From this union, their daughter Mary was born, which led to her role as a full-time mom, as well as a preschool and Sunday school teacher. They enjoyed dining out and attending the symphony together, until Harold passed away in 1968.

She married Dove Tanner in 1970, and from this marriage, their daughter Michelle was born. They enjoyed Iowa Council of the Blind conventions, riding their tandem bike across Iowa, and making new friends on the citizen band "C.B." radio. Her "handle" on the radio was Rearview as she rode on the back seat of the tandem. They later divorced.

In October 1989, Colleen attended Pilot Dog School in Columbus, Ohio, for her first seeing eye dog. While there, she met the love of her life, William "Bill" Woeste, whom she would later marry and relocate with to Ohio in 1995. They enjoyed the same things, but had the best time betting quarters on sports teams, their favorites being Iowa and Ohio State, and the Chicago Cubs and Cincinnati Reds. Their circle of friends grew through the American Council of the Blind, Greater Cincinnati chapter. They would meet at Chili Time in St. Bernard on Friday evenings with old and new friends. When Bill passed unexpectedly in 2020, Colleen returned to Cedar Rapids.

She had many varied interests; word puzzles, poetry, books, Uno and Scrabble, and listening to records. Over the years, she would share the braille alphabet and introduce her guide dogs to elementary school classes. Two of her favorite indulgences were Hardee's biscuits on Sundays or a cookie from International Pastry if she was at Lindale Mall. She loved talking on the phone to family and friends, and she was always an ear for someone wanting to chat.

Her friendships spanned from two months to 82 years, and time or distance were never a hinderance. The love she showed her family and friends was never questioned right to the end. If you knew her, you would feel loved.

Mary is survived by her daughters, Mary Reeves and Michelle (Kirk Brunscheen) Maker; grandchildren, Rachel (Korey) Maker, James "JJ" (Audrey) Moes, Michael Maker, and Jonah (Madeleine) Moes; as well as her nieces, nephew, and many cousins.

She was preceded in death by her parents; brothers, Harold and William "Bill" Teneyck; niece, Beverly Teneyck; as well as aunts and cousins.

The family would like to thank the staff at St. Luke's Comfort Care for their kindness and compassion.

Due to Bill's passing during the pandemic, a celebration of life will be held for the both of them on Friday, August 29, 2025, from 5:00 - 7:00 p.m. at Shawnee Park in Cedar Rapids. Arrangements are with Stewart Baxter Funeral & Memorial Services, Cedar Rapids.

Memorial donations may be made in her name to Pilot Dogs, 625 West Town Street, Colombus, Ohio 43215-4444.

Please share your support and memories with Mary's family on her Tribute Wall at www.stewartbaxter.com under Obituaries.