Marie Biegus

Marie Biegus, age 100, of Burlington, IL, formerly of Chicago, passed away Thursday evening, October 20, 2016.
She was born on July 15, 1916, in Grenville, SD, to the proud parents, Bernard and Frances (Christle) Fromelt.
Marie grew up in Grenville and attended local schools in Graceville, MN. Following graduation, like many of her generation in the Grenville area, she had a hard time finding work. So off to the big city she, went and settled in Chicago.
Marie worked in the payroll department of Montgomery Wards for a time before meeting the man of her dreams, John Biegus. John’s house was the place to be, but one look at Marie and he was hooked.
Shortly after their marriage, John heard the call of his country during WWII and Marie followed him California for training. He eventually crossed the pond and was stationed in Germany until his honorable discharge.
John returned to civilian life and his blushing bride after the war. They settled in Oak Park for a time and welcomed home their daughter, Gail, in 1948. Later they moved to the Belmont/Central Area. After Gail was grown, they moved to Harwood Heights. When John passed away in 2004, Marie moved west to be closer to Gail, making her home in Burlington.
Marie was a faithful member of S.S. Peter & Paul Catholic Church in Virgil, IL.
Marie spent he whole life serving her loved ones and at times, nursing the dying. She was always handing us prayers to read and encouraging us to stay positive and turn to God. Marie spent her life praying for her loved ones and lighting candles for them at church. She always not only told, but showed us how much she loved us. After talking with Marie, you always seemed to feel better. She was cheap with herself, but extremely generous with others. Marie never wasted anything and always wanted to reuse and recycle. Marie and a loyal soul and couldn’t help but be a naturally good person. In short, she was a saint and the most perfect person we have ever known, but that didn’t mean she didn’t know how to have a whole lot of fun! Marie was active and enjoyed the lively city lifestyle. Although she enjoyed shopping, Marie never seemed to buy very much. She took the family to church, the park, swimming and roller skating. Marie cooked countless meals, fixed our hair, washed and patched our clothes, scratched our backs before bed but the night always ended with a bedtime prayer. Marie enjoyed playing cards with friends and family and was no stranger to a joke or two. She was a great story teller, regaling family with tales of dancing at the Aragon Ballroom, ice skating and going to the lake with her husband John. She also enjoyed reading mystery novels and solving puzzles. Music was always in the background, as was the Lawrence Welk Show whenever it aired. Marie was a neat person, always having a place for everything and everything in it’s place. For most of her life, she had a broom in her hand and knew 101 uses for Vinegar. Her sink was never soiled with a dirty dish, as she was diligent in cleaning up in the kitchen. Marie had an eye for interesting articles that she came across and always more than willing to share. She was a geography buff and was quick to find on a map where the latest news story was happening. Marie was a smart woman who was mechanically inclined. Her grandchildren brought her much joy and it was in the last years that her heart was overcome with love for her great-granddaughter, Destiny. Marie will always be missed and her favorite sayings, “Keep the faith.”, “Keep a song in your heart”, and “Do not be afraid” will live on with her memories inside all those you loved her.
She is survived by her daughter Gail Costello; two grandchildren: Brianne Costello and Kimberly Costello and two great-grandchildren: Cole Cryer and Destiny Costello;
She is preceded in death by her parents, Benjamin and Frances Fromelt; her husband John and nine siblings.

Donations in her memory can be made to the charity of your choice. Tributes may also be forwarded to the Conley Funeral Home Facebook Page and can find her full life story at www.conleycare.com.

Visitation will be from 10-10:45 a.m., with a mass to follow at 11 a.m., Tuesday, October 25, 2016, at S.S. Peter & Paul Catholic Church, Virgil, IL.

Interment will follow at Burlington Cemetery.