Mary Goebel

Mary Arlene (Schwartz) Goebel, 97, of Rockford, passed away on Tuesday, July 20, 2021 surrounded by her family. She was born on December 12, 1923 in Gratiot, WI, the daughter of Lewis and Victoria Schwartz. Mary married the love of her life, William J. Goebel (Bill) at Holy Rosary Catholic Church in Darlington, WI on June 27, 1944.

Mary and Bill were married for 62 years before his passing on March 23, 2006. Mary was a member of St. Edward Catholic Church and all of her children attended St. Edwards Grade School. Mary spent so much of her life as a caregiver, first as a teen, caring for her mother until her death, then for her brothers and a sister and then for her mother-in-law until her death. Mary had 10 children, losing her first born child shortly after his birth. She went on to raise 9 more children, and a foster son for 8 years after the loss of her dear sister-in law. She loved her family deeply. She pampered her husband and children, they always came first and because of her giving nature, she always put her own needs last.

Mary was deeply religious, she loved God and her church. She prayed the rosary every day. She prayed for her family and anyone else in need of prayer. We could always count on her special prayers to tide us over any rough spots.
Mary was an avid gardener, in the summer she could always be found tending to her beautiful flower garden, many plants were given to her by her children. She grew many varieties of plants but some plants in particular remind us of her, especially pink bleeding hearts in the spring.

The family would like to thank the long time Staff at Morning Star Village, her home for the last 3 plus years. She called it her home and the staff was like family to her. They saw her through the difficult and lonely Covid pandemic. We were so glad they could be there for her when we could not. She enjoyed visiting with her beloved brother Orv, her best buddy. We would like to thank Serenity Hospice for their gentle support, guidance and professionalism on Mary’s final journey. We would also like to thank Maggie for her support and kindness to our mother in her final days.

“ Because I knew you, I have been changed for good”

We have been truly blessed to have had her in our lives for so long. She was known for her contagious smile and giving heart. She will be greatly missed by all.

Mary is survived by her 9 children, 2 sons and 7 daughters; John (Nancy) Goebel of Hixson, TN, Gail (Ed) Vitell of Rockford, Theresa (Arnold) Upson of Phillip, WI, Kathy Cantrell of Rockford, Helen (Peter) Sampson of Shorewood, WI, Joan (Rich) Orlikowski of Kent, WA, Mary Beth (Jose) Hernandez of Rockford, Patrick Goebel of Rockford Marion (Greg) Erdmier of Loves Park; grandchildren, Theresa Saeger, Corene Combs, Kacy Krause, Chuck Myers, Mark Wenzel, Sherry Palmer, Matt Goebel, Michelle Weston, Alyssa Hernandez, Tina Thomas and Steven Pond.

Great-grandchildren, Mike Saeger, Katy Saeger, Savannah Myers, Zach Myers, Seth Combs, Mitch Combs, Cameron Krause, Kenzie Widenhammer, Karisa Palmer, Sam and Emma Goebel, Mikayla and Wyatt Thomas ; great-great grandchildren, Emily and Evan Saeger and other numerous step grandchildren, nieces and nephews, brothers, Orvin (Mary) Schwartz, Don Schwartz.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Lewis and Victoria, her Husband, William and son, Joseph, grandson Mitchell Krause. Brothers, Francis, Robert and Paul Schwartz; sisters, Judith and Wilma Schwartz.
A visitation will be held on Monday, July 26, 2021 from 9:00 a.m. until the Funeral Mass at 11:00 a.m. at St. Edward Catholic Church, 3004 11th Street, Rockford, IL 61109. Memorials may be given to St. Jude Children Hospital. Funeral Arrangements are entrusted to Fitzgerald Funeral Home & Crematory.