Mary T. Aschenbrenner

Mary T. Aschenbrenner, 73 of Rockford passed away in her home December 28, 2007 after a courageous 26 month battle with pancreatic cancer. Born October 25, 1934 in Des Moines, IA to Louis and Loretta (Hurley) Bachrodt. She was the youngest of their seven children. Mary graduated from St. Joseph's Academy in Des Moines, IA and went on to graduate from the University of Iowa with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. She also completed some Graduate work in Education at Northern Illinois University. She married George D. Aschenbrenner on August 6, 1960 in St. Edward Catholic Church in Rockford. Mary was a devout Catholic and longtime member of St. Bridget Church. She also was a member of the Garden Club, the Golden Eagles Exercise Club, and was a leader with the Catholic Womens Bible Study. Mary loved gardening and flowers, especially her roses. Mary is survived by her husband, who was her loving caregiver during her illness, and daughters Anne (Tim) Sadler and Amy (Steve) Brei. Granddaughter Emily Sadler. Brothers Herman Bachrodt and Paul (Nancy) Bachrodt. Sisters Eileen (Carlton) Bates, Helen Erickson, Margie Muelhaupt, numerous nieces and nephews and many friends, including special friend Betti Kiltz. She was predeceased by her parents and oldest brother, Lou Bachrodt Jr. The family would like to extend a special thanks to Paul and Nancy Bachrodt, the staff at SwedishAmerican Oncology especially Dr. Schulz and nurses AnnMarie and Kristen. Special thanks to Northern Illinois Hospice especially Rebecca, Frankie, Jessica and Ann. Also, special thanks to the many family members, friends and neighbors for their kindness and support during Mary's illness. Funeral Mass will be at 10:00 a.m. Thursday, January 3, 2008 in St. Bridget Church, 600 Clifford Ave., Loves Park with the Rev. Brian Olsen officiating. Visitation will be from 5-7 p.m. Wednesday in Fitzgerald Funeral Home & Crematory, Mulford Chapel, 1860 S. Mulford Rd., Rockford, and from 9:00 a.m. until Mass Thursday in church. Interment will follow in Calvary Cemetery. In lieu of flowers memorials can be made to Northern Illinois Hospice, 4215 Newburg Rd., Rockford, IL 61108 or St. Bridget Church. To