Mary Regan Schmelzle

Mary Regan Schmelzle, 96, passed away on October 18, 2011, at her home with her family by her side. Mary was born on January 17, 1915 in Rock Falls, Illinois, daughter of Patrick and Irene (Shurley) Regan. Mary grew up in Sterling, Illinois, graduating from Community High School in 1932. After attending the University of Illinois, she was employed at the Sterling Public Library. On November 21, 1940 she married Robert J. Schmelzle at St. Mary Church in Sterling, Illinois. Bob and Mary made their home in Freeport, raising six children and participating in numerous community organizations. Mary was a member of St. Thomas Church. She belonged to the Tomas Club and volunteered at St. Francis School for Exceptional Children. Mary was an avid reader. She liked gardening and working on craft projects. She made hundreds of clothespin dolls to give to her family and friends. Mary, Jeanette Langlois and Jane Cregan Schmelzle operated a craft consignment shop, 'End of the Line,' in a railroad caboose on the Langlois property. Bob and Mary traveled extensively and enjoyed golfing, playing cards, attending Notre Dame games, and many other activities with their family and friends. Surviving are her husband of 70 years, Robert Schmelzle, and her six children, Thomas Schmelzle, John Schmelzle, and Stephen (Betty) Schmelzle of Freeport; Kathleen (Larry) Runte, and Mary Ann (Patrick) Best of Freeport; and R. Breyman (Mary Emma) Schmelzle of Tucson, Arizona; one sister, Leona Jurkens, of Sterling, Illinois; one brother, Neil (Eleanor) Regan, of Dallas, Texas; one brother-in-law, Charles (Patricia) Schmelzle of Freeport; grandchildren, Denise (Eric) Hallman, Ted (Nancy) Schmelzle, Patrick (Alivia) Runte, Nolan (Bobbi) Runte, Matthew (Eileen) Runte, Anne (Jeffrey) Hiveley, Maia (Jaime) Pinnow, Ryan Runte, Michael Schmelzle, Jill Schmelzle, Clayton Best, Bridget (Ryan) Schwab, Joseph Best, Erik Schmelzle, Nick Schmelzle; and great-grandchildren, Charlotte, Graham, Liam, Cecelia, Carter, Victoria, Jacob, Eli, Kaylee, Riley, Ava, Jack, Ben, Will, and Macy. Mary was preceded in death by her parent; her brothers, Donald Regan, Elbert Regan, Msgr. John Regan, and her sisters, Lorene Bingham, Bernice Regan, Sr. Maura Regan, Margaret McCormick, and Sally Sullivan. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, Oct. 22, at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church in Freeport with Msgr P. William McDonnell officiating. Visitation will be on Friday, Oct. 21, at Burke Tubbs Funeral Home from 3:30 to 6:30 p.m. with a rosary service starting at 6:00 p.m. and on Saturday from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. at the church. Burial will be at Calvary Cemetery. The family is grateful for the loving care provided by FHN Hospice. In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established in Mary'™s name for Aquin Catholic Schools. Please Sign the guestbook at www.burketubbbs.com