I wanted to share the sad news that Mary Lee Neuberger, RN, MSN, passed away two weeks ago. She was a dedicated member of ASPN and a cherished colleague and friend to many in the Pediatric Nephrology community. Mary Lee was also a driving force behind the development of Pediatric Dialysis and Critical Care Nephrology at the University of Iowa.
Even before partnering with Pat Brophy to help build the Division of Pediatric Nephrology at the University of Iowa Stead Family Children’s Hospital, Mary Lee could be found dialyzing some of the smallest infants and children at a time when many centers were not yet providing this level of care. She was an exceptional nurse leader, teacher, mentor, and friend whose impact will be long felt.
She was a member of the Critical Care Nephrology SIG and the APP SIG
– Brynna Van Wyk, ARNP, MSN, CPNP
Mary Lee Obituary
Mary Lee Neuberger, aged 72, passed away unexpectedly on February 1, 2026, following a lengthy struggle due to complications from chronic health issues. She was a beloved sister, aunt, friend, and colleague who will be deeply missed by all who knew her.
Mary Lee was born on November 9, 1953, in Parkston, South Dakota. She spent her formative years on the family farm where she enjoyed riding bikes, Sunday softball games with neighbors, participating in 4-H, Farmers Union summer camp, fishing on the James River, and getting into mischief with her cousins. As a young child, Mary Lee was extremely fond of her cowgirl dress, hat, gun belt and six-shooters which she faithfully took to bed with her each night. Like her brothers, Mary Lee hated picking rocks off the fields after school let out for the summer and was immensely jealous of her friends who didn’t have to take part in this summer ritual.
Following her graduation from Parkston High School, Mary Lee attended Presentation College where she obtained a 2-year Associate degree. She continued her education at the University of Iowa where she obtained her Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree followed by a Master of Science in Nursing.
She began working for the University of Iowa Hospitals in 1980 where she continued to work until her retirement in 2022 and on a part-time basis until her death. Throughout her career, she was known for her hard work, dedication, and passion for helping others. Mary Lee spent over four decades working with dialysis patients first in the adult dialysis unit and was instrumental in opening the first pediatric dialysis unit in the state of Iowa. Mary Lee’s nursing expertise was indispensable in establishing pediatric CRRT and advancing pediatric critical care nephrology at the University of Iowa Stead Family Children’s Hospital. Her leadership helped shape the future of dialytic therapy at UISFCH, improving care for generations of low–birth weight infants and pediatric patients.
Faith was important to Mary Lee throughout her life. She was an active member of the Newman Center Catholic Church where she served on their board for many years. Mary Lee enjoyed reading, going out with her wide circle of friends, crocheting, and bike riding but her true passion was the University of Iowa football, men’s and women’s basketball, women’s softball and men’s baseball. She held season tickets to multiple men’s and women’s sporting events. She was always happiest when the Hawkeyes beat their opponents.
Away from work, her preferred clothing consisted of comfortable jeans and a Hawkeye sweatshirt layered over a Hawkeye T-shirt. She was known to buy family members Hawkeye T-shirts for football games, not wanting them to embarrass her by dressing improperly for the occasion.
Mary Lee is survived by her brother, Doug (Linda), brother Tim (Rose), nephew Anthony James “Jamie” Neuberger, brother Tom, niece Jennifer (Will) Josten, and great nephew Elijah Josten. She is preceded in death by her father Mathias “Math” Neuberger, her mother Erma Marie (Horstman) Neuberger, as well as numerous aunts, uncles, cousins and friends. Mary Lee was also preceded in death by Adam, a special patient who she grew to love like family.
Funeral Mass will be held at 11:30 AM, Friday, March 6 at Newman Catholic Student Center on the University of Iowa Campus. Visitation will be held prior to the service starting at 10:15. A luncheon will be held for attendees at Newman Center following the funeral Mass. In accordance with Mary Lee’s wishes, the family requests that donations be made to Ronald McDonald House Charities of Eastern Iowa in lieu of flowers.
Internment will take place April 25th in Parkston, South Dakota where she will be buried with her parents.
The family would like to thank the dedicated staff at the University of Iowa Hospital’s Wound Center, Infectious Disease, Orthopedic, and Oncology units for the compassionate care they provided to Mary Lee. Special thanks to Vicki Steelman, Pat Hartin, Monica Hall, Brynna VanWyk, Jan Christensen, Lisa Antes, Shannon Kindred, Noel Shostrom, and countless other friends whose thoughtfulness, acts of kindness and companionship greatly enhanced the quality of her life over the last three years.
Posted: February 23, 2026