"My deepest sympathy to all the family. We were friends and classmates all through the years at St. John's. Although that was many years ago, we remained friends. My prayers are with her and all of your family."
In loving memory of
Mary Ellen Igl
March 4, 1933 - May 7, 2014
Mary Ellen Igl, of Antigo, died Wednesday, May 7, 2014 at home under the care of her family, special care givers and LeRoyer Hospice. She was 81 years old. She was born on March 4, 1933 in Antigo, a daughter of Rudy and Muriel (Kilsdonk) Jicha. She married Harold Igl on November 5, 1955 at St John Catholic Church, Antigo. He survives.
She attended St. John Parochial school through eighth grade and graduated high school from Holy Family Convent in Manitowoc. She was a member of St. John Catholic Church and the Altar Society of Christian Mother's.
Mrs. Igl, was active on the family dairy farm in the town of Antigo, along with her husband and sons, which is operated as Igl's Homestead Inc.
As a devoted mother she was active in her children's 4-H clubs and the St. John Religious education program. She enjoyed dancing, gardening, canning, and spending time with her 23 grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren. She will be remembered as an accomplished homemaker, and for her cheerful smile, warm heart and the kindness shown to all who entered her home.
Survivors including her husband are three daughters, Ellen Voras, Menasha, Linda (Terry) Schulz, Antigo, Sharon (Joe) Hamby, Janesville; four sons Tony (Jeanine) Igl, Mason, Michigan, Pat Igl, Greg (Janeane) Igl, and Rudy Igl all of Antigo; 23 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren; a brother, Martin (Nancy) Jicha, Friendship.
She was preceded in death by her parents.
A funeral Mass will be held on Saturday at 10:30 a.m. at St. John Catholic Church with Rev. Charles Hoffmann officiating. Entombment will take place in Queen of Peace Mausoleum. Visitation will be 4 - 7:30 p.m. on Friday at the Bradley Funeral Home and 9 - 10 a.m. on Saturday also at the funeral home. A parish wake service will be held at 4:30 p.m. Friday at the funeral home.
Immaculate Mary your praises we sing...
Tributes
"We always enjoyed visiting with Mary Ellen at Parent/Teacher Conferences at River Grove School. She was a kind, gracious lady. Our sincere sympathy, Ron and Nancy Blood"
"For many a summer during my youth Mary Igl became my mom as she became mom for my other bothers as well who spent time at the Igl home on the farm. We spent many of our summers when school was out in our early years staying on the farm and became part of the Harold and Mary Igl family. As to all those who entered the Igl family home Mary became their mom. There is a quote that says "in youth we learn and in age we understand" I understand well with age that Mary was truly a gift from God to all of us as children. Through Mary we as children received great kindness, love and servitude of heart. Her smile, her gentle voice and helpful gentle spirit calmed our spirits as children while she tended to our bumps and scrapes we frequently obtained while on the farm. Not to lightly mention about all the wonderful meals and desserts she would create just for us. Little did we understand at the time of our youth that we were tended to by Jesus Himself through Mary, who became a true vessel of God's love for our sake. Of the many remarkable things about Mary was that she never spoke a disparaging word about anyone, but only gave encouragement to all of us as children. I have heard it said only a child can truly recognize a saint. In my youth long ago I encountered a saint and it was Mary. As it is written in the gospel when Jesus came to visit Martha and Mary at their home, Mary was found at the feet of Jesus listening to Him and the words he spoke. Martha upset with Mary and in her anger admonished Mary to the Lord for her not busying herself with helping Martha with the chores. Jesus responded to Martha with the words "Mary has chosen the better portion" Just like the Mary of old in the new testament my aunt Mary understood in listening to Jesus Himself, she took the time to learn how to truly love and serve others regardless of her own chores, duties, responsibilities and burdens of which life holds for all of us. My aunt Mary will always be the saint that she is in the heart of this child as I suspect she is thought of in the hearts of many a child she encountered and nurtured over the years. But even more so Mary will be thought of as a mother to all of us as her own children that she loved, served and cared for unconditionally without reservation. I have heard it said that Love is the glue that holds it all together and I believe Mary was that glue for her family. Love is the answer and Love is the key that sets us all free. Mary answered the call of God's love long ago. It was all of us who came in contact with her who were the beneficial recipients of that calling. Mary is truly a saint in the purest definition of what a saint is, which means, "In whom Christ dwells" It was for our benefit that Mary allowed Christ to dwell in her so Christ could use her to bless and serve all of us. Mary will be forever remembered and her love and servitude of spirit will always be a part of us ,those she loved, nurtured and served. I believe Mary will be part of the heavenly hosts to greet us in the house of the most High when it is our turn to go home. We have lost a truly remarkable kindred spirit here on earth, but heaven has gained another real honest saint. Mary has gone home and is at rest and peace now and surrounded by the author of Love, God Himself. Thank you Lord God for Mary and the gift she was to all of us. Mary we love you and will miss you! "
"We are so sorry for your loss, no one will take her place. Please cherish all the memories and share them with one another , it will help you get through this time of great sadness. Know that we are with you."
"my deepest sympathies to the family, and especially, to Ellen. I never met Mary but she raised a wonderful daughter named Ellen who I count as a friend - so I can only imagine how terrific a woman Mary must have been. In my thoughts and prayers Ellen.......J"
"When I think of visiting Wisconsin in my childhood I have the fondest memories of being at the farm with Harold & Mary. And Mary always cared for us kids, made sure we were fed, had a place to sleep, and looking after not only her own 7 kids, but the 10+ other cousins raiding her house on any day. In spite of all our loud noise, she always had a gentle voice that made me feel part of the family, and glad I was there. She constantly showed herself the saint that she was. I will miss you Mary, thank the Lord for your wonderful life, and that He blessed me to be part of your family. I rest in knowing you're in a endless celebration with your heavenly Father who has invited you to join him. We will always miss you. Your nephew, Ralph"
"I am sorry to hear of your loss. The death of a loved one is one of the most devastating experiences a human can face. At times, the loss can seem unbearable. The Bible promises; "God is near to the brokenhearted." It also says: "Throw your burden on God and he will sustain you." (Psalms 34;18 and 55:22) I hope this message will help you cope with the loss of your loved one."
"I will always remember my aunt Mary as one of the kindest and gentlest women I've ever known. To know her was to love her. Some of the best times of my childhood were spent on Harold and Mary's farm on their farm. We called it "helping" but I'm thinking it was more like getting in the way more times than not and she always made us feel welcome. I am praying for my uncle Harold and my cousins Tony, Pat, Greg, Linda, Ellen, Sharon and Rudy during this time. I am sorry for your loss and I hope it's a comfort to know she's with her King and rest in His care. "
"My Aunt Mary was such a wonderful woman. I alwsys looked forward to go just talk to her. She was warm and compassionate and never spoke a bad word of anyone. She loved everyone . If there was a saint on earth...it was her. I will miss her dearly."