Mary K. Kropp, 84, of Geneseo, IL passed away in classic Mary fashion on September 4, 2022, at her home. Funeral services will be held at 10:00 AM on Friday, September 9, 2022, at Vandemore Funeral Home and Crematory-Geneseo Chapel with Rev. Randy Mullin officiating. Service will be livestreamed at www.vandemorefuneralhome.com/live-stream. She will be laid to rest at North Cemetery-Geneseo. Visitation will be held from 4-7 PM on Thursday, September 8, 2022, at the funeral home. Memorials can be made to Mary’s family to be distributed to her favorite charities.
Mary was born to Camiel and Orpha (Huffman) Rose in rural Galva, IL in 1938. She graduated in the Class of 1956 from Galva High School. She went on to Hurley School of Beauty, Rock Island, IL. Mary married Donald W. Kropp on July 15, 1961, in Cambridge, IL. He preceded her in death in 2009.
Mary owned and operated Mary’s Beauty Shop out of her home, retiring in 1999. In her younger years Mary could be found at the local roller-skating rinks. Mary was an avid bowler 50+ years where she forged many friendships and attended National Bowling Tournaments across the United States. She was inducted into the Bowlers Hall of Fame in February 2003. She sponsored several Jr bowling teams and Women’s teams.
Mary was a lifetime member of the Women of the Moose, Chapter 577 volunteering many hours helping with Friday night dinners, Sunday morning breakfasts and anywhere else she was needed. She enjoyed watching NASCAR racing and playing cards with family and friends fondly being nicknamed “The Master” by Eli and Logan Palmer who kept her playing during the pandemic. Mary and her traveling friend Sue Lohman visited the Philippines and Okinawa, Japan visiting her son who was stationed there while in the Air Force. They also took a trip to Paris, France. Mary was a member of St. Malachy’s Catholic Church.
Mary is survived by her children: Nick (Angie) Kropp, Yorktown, VA and Becky (Don) Hickenbottom, Colona, IL. Grandchildren: Nick Kropp, II, Yorktown, VA and Heather Hickenbottom, Colona, IL.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Husband Donald, 2009 and brothers and sisters-in-law Harold (Marianne) Rose, Eugene (Jeanee) Rose.
The family would like to thank Compassus Hospice Care – Chris, Lisa, Michelle and Diane for their loving care.