Mary Veronica (Holweg) Happle, 92, of Cuba, passed away, Friday, July 3, 2026, at the St. James Living Center in St. James, Missouri in the comforting presence of her beloved sons and best friend.

On June 6, 1932, Mary was born to the union of Bernard Frederick Holweg & Veronica "Vera" Sikorski in De Soto, Missouri.

She attended St. Martin of Tours Catholic School & Hancock Place Senior High School in Lemay, Missouri.

Mary was united in marriage to James Lewis Happle on December 22, 1954, at the Church of God in St. James, Missouri.

Mary spent most of her working life as a nurse's aide as well as a housekeeper in many facilities. She spent time as an aide/housekeeper at Gravois Rest Haven, Shriner's Hospital, Briarwood Nursing Home and Cuba Manor. In total, Mary had spent roughly 40 plus years caring for others in their time of need.

Jim & Mary bought their current home in Indian Hills originally as a vacation/weekend get-away in 1987. It didn’t take them long to realize that lake life was for them, so in 1991 they moved there permanently.

She loved to exercise her mind by completing countless word seek puzzles. When she wasn't solving puzzles, she enjoyed taking in a Cardinal baseball game on T.V., which was important to her, having been a fan all her life. To relax, Mary found comfort in reading. She loved reading all sorts of books especially mystery and romance novels. In her younger years, Mary looked forward to all the time she got to spend with her best friend of 82 years, Lucille Kinder of Rolla. Mary was a devoted wife and mother always making sure that her family was taken care of. She will be truly missed by all who knew and loved her. 

Mary was preceded in death by her parents, Bernard & Veronica Holweg; her siblings, Herb Holweg, Leonard Holweg, Ed Holweg, Bernard Holweg, Eleanora Holweg, Jim Holweg; her husband, James L. Happle Sr.; two sons, David Happle & (Infant) Douglas Huntze.  

She is survived by her sons, James L. Happle Jr. of Cuba & Greg (Kathy) Happle of Nixa; grandchildren, Christine Collins of Ozark, Matt (Amber Crabb) Happle of Ozark, Megan McCord of Illinois & Jacob Ownby of Illinois; great-grandchildren, Katie (Rick) Barber, Logan Collins & Parker Collins; great-grandchild, Brett Barber; best friend of 82 years, Lucille Kinder of Rolla; nieces; nephews; other relatives and many friends. 

A memorial visitation will be held on Saturday, August 29, 2026, from 1 P.M. to 3:00 P.M. at Mizell Funeral Home & Crematory, Cuba, Missouri. A memorial service will follow at 3 P.M. also at Mizell Funeral Home & Crematory. Inurnment will follow the service at Holy Cross Cemetery Columbarium, Cuba, Missouri. 

Memorial donations are appreciated to Holy Cross Catholic Church of Cuba or Siteman Cancer Center. 

Arrangements under the compassionate care of Mizell Funeral Home & Crematory.