Mary Jane Zipse

Mary Jane (Floto) Zipse passed away peacefully on May 1, 2026, surrounded by loved ones. A devoted sister, wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, Mary Jane lived a life rooted in family, faith, hard work and the land she loved.

Farming was in Mary Jane’s blood, and being a farm wife wasn’t just a role – it was who she was. Known as the ultimate boss, she ran her farm and household with confidence, purpose and an unwavering expectation of excellence in both actions and character. The farms she built with her husband Dwayne were always her priority. She took immense pride in her yard, garden and home – always ready to welcome anyone who stopped by and share a cookie.

Mary Jane was a nurturer in every sense – of crops, of animals and especially of people. She had a deep love for “all kinds of babies” and was fiercely protective of her family (especially her granddaughters) and the values she held dear. She was known to have all the ingredients on hand to ensure a fresh batch of cookies or a homemade pie could appear at a moment’s notice, something that brought comfort and joy to many.

After selling the dairy herd, Mary Jane attained her food service license and had a second career working at Rummel’s Barn and the Club Esquire. She also made sure the 4-H lunch stand was clean and safe at the Ogle County Fairgrounds in which the Grange managed for many years. Active and engaged in her community her entire life, Mary Jane was involved in 4H, FFA (her Advisor said she would have earned her American Farmer degree if females could have been members), and an active member in both the Leaf River Grange and her church, giving generously of her time and talents wherever she was needed.

Mary Jane is survived by her three children – Gaylen, Gwyn and Sarah – granddaughters Adriane (Jake) White, Angela (Tyler) Patterson, Alyssa Poggioli, Amanda (Mitch) Hopkins, April Poggioli, and her great-grandchildren Melissa and Marshall White; Hudson and Nash Patterson; Jackson, Landon, Weston, Brooklyn and Bryson Hopkins; along with her sisters and brothers-in-law Phyllis Wallis, Myra (Clifford) Craven, Myrna (Tom) Snodgrass, Fran (Mel) Reigle and Pam Floto, Kenneth Zipse, and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband Dwayne Zipse, her parents Harvey and Thelma Floto and her in-laws Melvin and Nelda Zipse, sisterinlaw Theresa Zipse and brother Forrest Floto.

The family extends heartfelt thanks to Adriane for managing the care with Serenity Hospice and their excellent staff, especially Connie, Patti, Terry, CJ and Courtney. Mary Jane was able to stay in home because of the sincere dedication and companionship of Deb Taylor and her family.

Funeral service will be held on Tuesday May 5, 2026 at 11:30 A.M. in Seward Congregational Church with Rev. Joel Hicke and Rev. Rodney Caldwell officiating. Visitation will be held Tuesday May 5, 2026 from 10:00 A.M. until service time in the church. A family burial will be held in Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens, Freeport, IL.

Memorials will be directed to Seward Congregational Church and Serenity Hospice & Home.