Mariam Ethel Mehmen

Mariam Ethel Mehmen, 92, of Cedar Falls, passed away on Saturday, September 28, 2024, in her apartment at NewAldaya Lifescapes.  She was born in Waterloo on July 5, 1932, daughter of Martin and Ethel (Nielsen) Christiansen.  Mariam graduated from Cedar Falls High School with the Class of 1950, then married Richard Mehmen on September 22, 1951, at St. Ansgar Lutheran Church in Waterloo.  In addition to being a devoted wife, mother and homemaker, Mariam was a partner with Richard in his home building endeavors keeping the books and beautifully decorating their several homes. She and Richard had many friends and played a lot of bridge and 500 through the years.  They wintered in Florida for about 15 years, enjoying the opportunity to spend time with their southern granddaughter, Lindsey.  Mariam's greatest source of joy and pride was her family which continues to grow and will be her legacy on Earth.

Mariam was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Richard; daughter, Sandra Fuson; grandson, Alex Hunzeker; her sister, Ann (Mike) Zampini; and brother-in-law, Gene Balthazor.  She is survived by her two daughters, Debra (Stan) Nielsen of Bettendorf and Linda (Dan) Mills of Cedar Falls; three grandchildren, Matt (Nicole) Nielsen, Lauren (Neil) Brandt, Lindsey (Kevin) Stone; six great grandchildren, Amelia, Ryenne, Cayden and Layne, Hailey and Kinsley; and a sister, Jeanie Balthazor of Cedar Falls.

Mariam's Memorial Service will be at 11:00 am on Saturday, October 5, 2024, at Bethlehem Lutheran Church with Visitation one hour prior to the service.  Burial will follow at Fairview Cemetery of Cedar Falls.  Memorials may be directed to Bethlehem Lutheran Church or NewAldaya Lifescapes.