Mary Jo Preheim, 80, of Hutchinson, died August 6, 2026, at Hospice House. She was born July 29, 1946, in Hutchinson, to Edwin J. and Erma R. (Plett) Schmidt.

Mary graduated from Buhler High School in 1964 and received her degree in elementary education from Bethel College in 1968. She taught fourth grade for three years until becoming a mother to her two sons. Mary then went to work at Learning Ladder preschool and also Toddler Tree preschool. After that she went to work as a teacher’s assistant at Obee grade school and then finished up at Union Valley grade school for many years. Her family was her greatest treasure and they traveled all over the state for their tennis matches. Mary was a member of First Mennonite Church where she had been a Sunday School teacher.

On June 3, 1967, Mary married Merlin D. Preheim in Hoffnungsau Mennonite Church, near Inman. They shared 59 years of marriage.

She is survived by her loving husband, Merlin; sons, Todd Preheim and wife Colleen of Austin, TX, Tom Preheim and wife Darcy of Dallas, TX; grandchildren, Derek, Kate, Matthew, Connor; brother, Jim Schmidt and wife Barbara of Griffin, GA; and many extended family members.

Mary was preceded in death by her parents and brother, Stan Schmidt.

Cremation has taken place.

Celebration of Life will be from 2:00-4:00, Sunday, August 30, 2026, at First Mennonite Church, 52 Rambler Road, Hutchinson.

Friends may sign her memorial book from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday thru Saturday at Elliott Mortuary.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Et Cetera Shop Hutchinson or Hutchinson Community Foundation, in care of Elliott Mortuary, 1219 N. Main, Hutchinson, KS 67501.