Mary Zelle (Nielsen) Woytassek died peacefully at Monument Health Custer Hospital surrounded by family. Left to love her in memory are her son, Mark; her daughter and thankfully her principal caretaker, Janet and sister, Karen Lapp.

Mary Zelle was born in Rapid City November 2, 1932, when her parents E.M. 'Swede' Nielsen and Neme (Lewis) Nielsen lived in Scenic SD.

Mary Zelle attended grade school in Scenic. In 1942, the family moved to Edgemont, SD, when the Black Hills Ordnance Depot was being built. She finished school in Edgemont graduating from Edgemont High School in 1950.

She attended the University of Denver and South Dakota State in Brookings and then became a statistical clerk at BHOD where she met and married Jim Woytassek. The family moved many times during Jim's private sector and civil service career. She was a recording clerk for the KC 135 Spares of Boeing in Seattle, WA and was office manager for a large DIY firm in Springfield, VA.

Mary was a very active volunteer at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church and the Senior Center in Custer. She was a charter member of the Piecemakers Quilt Guild. She was a 74 year member of the P.E.O. Sisterhood. Her favorite things were reading, sewing, quilting and traveling with family (49 states) and most of the National Parks.

Survivors are son Mark in Cedar Rapids, IA, daughter Janet of Custer, sister Karen Lapp (Don) in MN, Niece Meri Nielsen (Mark), Haley and Jake in MN ; Niece Sara Lapp (Paul) in MN, Ben in GA. and Grace in MN. Don Lapp (Mary Kay), Tyler and Sidney in ND. Niece Kathy Beebe in Hot Springs, SD. Steve in VA and Chris in WY, Niece Gale Beebe (Mike) in Custer. And her special furry friend (Bandit). Along with many friends around the United States.

Preceded in death by her husband Jim and her parents. Sister in law Pat Beebe (Tom) Custer. Cousin Don Scheunemann Park Ridge, IL.

Christian Funeral Mass will be held 10:00 A.M., Monday, April 22, 2024, at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Custer, SD.  Christian Funeral Committal will be held 2:00 P.M., Monday, April 22, 2024, at Black Hills National Cemetery near Sturgis, SD.

Memorials may be given to St. Johns Women at St Johns the Baptist Church PO Box 632 Custer, SD 57730. or Custer Senior Center Endowment Fund 538 Mt. Rushmore Road Custer, SD 57730. or Father Pete Scholarship School of Mines Foundation 330 East Kansas City Street Rapid City, SD. 57701.