Mary L. Brees, 88, of Waterloo, died Friday, May 6, at Cedar Valley Hospice Home of natural causes.

She was born July 31, 1922, in Waterloo, daughter of Ludum and Louise Kettwig Steege. She married Gerald W. Brees Aug. 6, 1943, at Trinity American Lutheran Church. He died Dec. 22, 1997.

She graduated from Waterloo West High School in 1940. Mrs. Brees was an office manager for doctors Waterbury, Loomis, Buckles, and Dieckmann for more than 27 years, retiring in 1987. She volunteered at Sartori Memorial Hospital and Nazareth Lutheran Church.

Survived by three daughters, Sally (Jeff) Young of Waterloo, Nancy Haberstich of Lincoln, Neb., and Susan (Jim) Tansey of Mesa, Ariz.; five grandchildren, Benjamin Paul (Elle Martin) Young of Wellman, Noah Christian (Alisa) Young of North Liberty, Michael Scott (Jennifer) Hamer of Davenport, Hannah Louise Yates of Lincoln, Neb., and Mary Ellen Haberstich of Omaha, Neb.; 11 great-grandchildren; and a sister-in-law, Gladys Steege of Minneapolis.

Preceded in death by two brothers, John and Paul.