Mary D. (Schofield) Wiesbrook

Mary D (Schofield) Wiesbrook, 89, of Mineral, IL peacefully passed away surrounded by her family, in Pewaukee, WI on Saturday, September 16, 2023.  Visitation will be held from 2-5 pm, Sunday, September 24, 2023, at Vandemore Funeral Homes & Crematory, 214 South State Street Atkinson, IL and from 9:00-10:00 am at the church prior to mass.  A rosary will be recited at 1:45 pm on Sunday at the funeral home prior to the visitation. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 am Monday, September 25, 2023, at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, Sheffield, IL.  Reverend Mark Miller will celebrate.  Burial will follow at Sacred Heart Cemetery in Annawan, IL.  Lunch will be served at St. Patrick’s parish Hall immediately following the burial. The Vandemore website (vandemorefuneralhome.com) will include a video tribute of Mary’s life and a tribute wall for condolences for the family.  Donations may be made to the Alzheimer's Association (designate in memory of Mary Wiesbrook) or to the charity of your choice.

Mary was born to John and Edna Schofield on April 21, 1934.  She graduated from St. Edward’s High School in Elgin, IL in 1952, and married the love of her life, Philip, on June 30, 1956 in Cloverdale, IL. They were married for 59 years until Phil’s death in 2016.  She had 9 children, 20 grandchildren, and 3 great-grandchildren.

Mary devoted her life to her family.  She instilled the values of family, faith, honesty, a strong work ethic, and independence in her children. She lived on a farm and loved the outdoors.  Mary planted a huge vegetable garden every year and prepared and preserved countless meals of endless food.  She enjoyed playing cards and games, was very competitive, and sometimes even followed the rules.  Family and friends were very important to Mary, and she especially treasured large gatherings like the pig roast which was hosted at the farm for many years.  Her door was always open, and she would generously welcome and feed whoever showed up.  Mary loved traveling, and spent many happy vacations in the US and beyond with Phil and her long-time friends.  For many years, she ran a successful upholstery business in Plainfield, IL, and worked at the Mineral, IL, library.  Her grandchildren were cherished and she relished spending time with them. Her favorite goodbye phrase was "behave" :)  She loved a good story, laughed loudly and often gently punched the people she loved. Mary lived a big life and her values and spirit will be remembered through many generations.

Those left to cherish her memory include her children: Linda (Kevin) Lonergan, of Galena IL, Lois (Peter) Ritchken, of Cleveland OH, Steve Wiesbrook, of Plainfield IL, Sharon (Mike) Post, of Brookfield WI, Nancy Wiesbrook, of Plainfield, IL, Paul (Geriann) Wiesbrook, of Joliet, IL, Judy (Craig) Hill, of Madison WI, and Scott (Michelle) Wiesbrook, of Philo IL.   Also, her adored grandchildren Maureen Lonergan, Steven Lonergan and Katie (Nate) Fisher, Jake (Maryl) and Brian Ritchken, Matthew (Emilie) and Christopher Post, Victoria (Hicham) Moussaid, Jonathan and Ryan Goodman, Cassandra and Joseph Wiesbrook, Tyler and Stephanie Hill, Gary Andrews, Alexander and Sophia Wiesbrook, Nathaniel, Lucille and Elsie Wiesbrook and great-grandchildren Ronnie, Caleb, and Asher.  Also, her brothers Wayne (Pat) Schofield and Ken (recently departed Gayle) Schofield, sister-in-law Agnes Schofield, and many other well-loved relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Philip, son Andy, parents Edna and John Schofield, brothers John and Loren and his wife MaryAnn, sister-in-law Gayle Schofield, and many loved brothers and sisters-in-law and relatives.

Special thanks to the staffs of Greenfield Retirement home in Princeton, IL; Kirkland Crossings Memory Care in Pewaukee, WI; and St Croix Hospice in Brookfield, WI for their loving care of Mary.