Mary Ann Kehlenbrink

Mary Ann Kehlenbrink was born May 26, 1929, to Carl and Georgeanna Rahmes in Hamilton Ohio.  Carl and Georgeanna were loving and nurturing parents.  Both children were musical, and they often performed together at their church.  Mary Ann singing and Jane accompanying her on the piano.  As a child Mary Ann showed an aptitude for swimming and she took lessons at an early age.  She would enjoy swimming for the rest of her life.

Mary Ann attended Capital University in Columbus Ohio and there she met her husband Tom.  She loved the college experience and often said they were the best years of her life.

Tom and Mary Ann moved to Indianapolis in 1954 and they had two sons David and Steven.  The sons were active in many sports and Mary Ann never missed a game.  Tom coached baseball and Mary Ann became an accomplished scorekeeper.

When the boys moved on to college Mary Ann became an active volunteer at Lutheran Child and Family Services.  She dearly loved the fellowship of the other volunteers and serving those less fortunate.  The volunteer work would continue for over 50 years.

Mary Ann and Tom were also active in the Lutheran Church.  Over her life, Mary Ann attended St Matthew’s, Cross & Crown and Holy Cross Lutheran Churches.  This was an important part of her life.  She taught Sunday School, sang in the Church Choir and taught the Bethel Bible Course.  She and Tom had many friendships over the years through their church affiliation.

Tom died in 1999 and Mary Ann grieved this loss but moved on. She remained active in her church, continued to swim, sing and paint.  By this time, she also had six grandchildren and she very much wanted to see her grandchildren grow to adults.  She was blessed to see this happen while attending graduations, sporting events and music concerts.  She studied painting at the Indianapolis Art League and become an accomplished painter.  Today her paintings can be found proudly displayed in the homes of her children and grandchildren and others.

Mary Ann loved to travel.  She and Tom traveled to various countries in Europe, Israel and most of the largest cities in the United States.  She also enjoyed and planned annual summer vacations to Michigan that included sons, grandchildren and great grandchildren.  She took pictures, swam in lake Michigan and delighted in the fellowship of her family.

She lived at the Boardwalk for over 25 years.  Swimming in its lake and walking its grounds were her favorite activities.  She got to know most all of the other residents there and was blessed to have wonderful neighbors who ultimately became her best friends.

Mary Ann appreciated the many blessing of her life.  She is survived by sons, David (Susan) and Steve (Betty).  Grandchildren, Daniel (Katie), Eric (Katie), Casey, Bryan (Angie), Lindsey, Mari.  Great grandchildren, Vanessa, Charlie, Gage, Emma, Finley, Clare and Ryan.

In addition to her parents and husband, Mary Ann was preceded in death by her sister, Jane Peterson.

Visitation will be held from 12:00 p.m. until 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday, March 21, 2023, at Flanner Buchanan – Oaklawn Memorial Gardens (Conner Suite), 9700 Allisonville Road, Indianapolis, where a funeral service will follow at 1:00 p.m.  Interment in Oaklawn Memorial Gardens Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Mary Ann’s honor to Lutheran Child and Family Services.