Mary Jane Michael

NAME/ AGE Mary Jane Michael, age 82, of Sycamore, passed away Tuesday evening, July 12, 2005 at her home surrounded by the love of her family. BORN She was born January 8, 1923, the daughter of Newbert and Mary (Bianche) Bohl in Chicago, IL. CHILDHOOD Mary grew up in Chicago and attended local Catholic schools until 1941 when she was united in marriage William Herman Redmer. They began their new life together in Maple Park where William ran a tavern and Mary made their house a home and raised their children. William died suddenly following an accident in 1959 and Mary made the choice to stay in Maple Park and run the tavern her husband so faithfully tended. Mary changed the name to Mary’s Inn and through her strong work ethic, and steadfast love of her family continued to tend bar and offer a friendly ear to the many friends that walked through her door. MARRIED On June 2, 1963, Mary married Robert F. Michael and continued to live in Maple Park. In that same year, Mary felt the need to expand the bar and her menu, so before long Mary’s Inn moved to the corner of Rt. 38 and County Line Rd. and became Mary’s Green Acre. She continued to serve her community the best way she knew how until she sold the bar following an auto accident in 1956. Before long, Mary became restless and got back into the business. Mary tended bar at the American Legion until her declining health forced to her come home and continue to "tend house" with her daughter Laurie in September 2004. MEMBERSHIP Mary was a member of the Church of St. Mary in Maple Park. LIFE NOTES Mary had strong work ethic and the spirit and resolve of a warrior. Nothing and no one would stand in her way of making a life for herself and her children. When Mary moved from Chicago she became and self taught gardener and had a special place in her heart for animals, especially big dogs. Over the years she enjoyed having St. Bernard\’s, German Shepard\’s, Akita\’s and Doberman\’s. For many years she also spent Saturday nights at the bingo parlor and enjoyed gambling when she could. Few knew she possessed a beautiful singing voice and an incredible talent for making and painting the ceramics that decorated her home. Over all, Mary was a survivor, and although her body gave up the battle, her spirit won the war as she now lives on forever in the hearts of her family and friends. SURVIVORS She now leaves two sons: Bill (Anne) Redmer of Orfordville, WI and And Steven (Barb) Redmer of Manitowoc, WI;One daughter Laurie (Roger) Gibbs of Sycamore;Eight grandchildren: Derek, Josh, Brenda, Amy, Kit, Jackie, Jamie, and Susanna;Three great-grandchildren: Brian, Clare, and Scott;Many nieces, nephews and a community of friends. PRECEDED She now joins her first husband William, Three sisters and two brothers who preceded her in deathMEMORIALS Memorials may be made in her name and mailed to P.O. Box 66, Elburn, IL 60119

SERVICES A mass to celebrate her life will be held Monday, July 18, at the Church of St. Mary, Maple Park, at 10:30a.m. with a time of visitation from 9:30 until the time of service. Monsignor William Clausen, pastor of the church, will officiate.

Interment will follow at St. Mary’s Cemetery, Maple Park.