Mary Prenger

Mrs. Mary Catherine Prenger, age 89 years, of Jefferson City, Mo., died Thursday, January 5, 2012, at St. Mary's Health Center. Mary was born July 16, 1922, in Jefferson City, Mo., the daughter of Edgar and Mary Branch Stieferman. She was married in 1943 in Jefferson City, Mo., to James R. Prenger, who preceded her in death on July 23, 1986. A lifelong resident of the Jefferson City area, Mary was a 1941 graduate of Jefferson City High School. Jim and Mary owned and operated the Dairy Queen restaurant from 1965 until 1972. She was employed with the Missouri Dept. of Revenue from 1972 until her retirement in 1982. She was a member of St. Peter Church. Mary enjoyed playing cards, but most importantly, spending time with family, especially her grandchildren, and friends. The highlight of her family's week was Sunday morning breakfasts at Grandma's house for the best sausage gravy and biscuits around. Survivors include: four sons, James W. Prenger and his wife Barbara of Jefferson City, Mo., Darrell D. Prenger of Holts Summit, Mo., Michael K. Prenger and his wife Mary Esther of Jefferson City, Mo., and Mark A. Prenger and his wife Kim of Jefferson City, Mo.; one sister, Billie Sue Gieser of Jefferson City, Mo.; 10 grandchildren, Lisa Neuner and her husband Joe, Melissa Prenger, Laura Rant and her husband Eric, Robert Prenger, Amy Prenger, Jessica Prenger, Jeremy Prenger and his wife Elizabeth, Molly Prenger, Brandon Prenger and Trenton James Prenger; and nine great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; one sister, Margaret Savin; one brother, Bob Stieferman; and one daughter-in-law, Mary Lou Prenger. Visitation will be at Freeman Mortuary from 5:00 until 7:00 p.m., Friday, January 6, 2012, with a prayer service to be conducted at 4:30 p.m. in the Freeman Chapel. A Mass of Christian Burial will be conducted at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, January 7, 2012, at St. Peter Church with the Reverend Basil Euro officiating. Interment will be at Resurrection Cemetery. Those desiring may make memorial contributions to the American Cancer Society. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Freeman Mortuary. www.freemanmortuary.com