Bertha Mae Blechle

BERTHA MAE BLECHLE, 94, of Chester, Illinois, passed away at 1:23 am, Tuesday, May 10, 2022 at Independence Care Center, Perryville, Missouri.

She was born to the late August and Anna (nee Jany) Marcinkowska on January 19, 1928 in Chester, Illinois.

Bertha Mae married James C. “Jimmy” Blechle on June 25, 1949 in Chester, Illinois; he preceded her in death on August 24, 2004.

Bertha Mae was a lifelong member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church, the Postmistress for Menard Correctional Center for many years, tireless worker for the Knights of Columbus and V.F.W. Auxiliary, member of St. Mary’s Council of Catholic Women (Blessed Virgin Mary Sodality), and member of the Piecemakers quilting organization. She was active in many Chester civic activities, such as working many hours making the Cohen House the beautiful home it is today. In 1975, she was honored as Chester Citizen of the Y ear. She was part of the committee that started the Popeye Picnic, and she was very active every year thereafter making the picnic a great success. Years later, she was honored for this work by being one of the Popeye Parade Marshals. She also served as a Chester Chamber of Commerce Director. Bertha Mae was one of the founders of Christmas on the River. In later years, the founders were honored by the Chester’s Annual Christmas Concert being dedicated to them for their work on this event.

She was well known throughout her hometown as a “do-er”. She was dedicated and committed to her church and her community and was never too busy to take on a new project or to see another one through to fruition. She was also known as a cook extraordinaire and was happiest when she was in the kitchen and visiting with her many family members and friends.

Survivors:

1 Son:

Larry Joseph Blechle (Virginia Petrowske) Chester, IL

1 Sister:

Betty Rose Prost Belleville, IL

2 Granddaughters:

Casey (Jarrod) Peters Chester, IL

Haley (Dane) Williams Chester, IL

5 Great Grandchildren:

Hannah, Trayton, Emerson, Nora Mae, and Saige

Preceded in Death by : Parents, Husband of 55 years – James C. “Jimmy” Blechle, 3 Sisters – Verona, Florence, and Anna Marie, and 4 Brothers – Bud, Bob, Charlie, and Roger

Funeral Service :

11:00 am, Tuesday, May 24, 2022

Pechacek Funeral Home, Chester, Illinois

Officiating:

Father Steven Pautler

Interment :

St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery

Chester, Illinois

Visitation:

Monday – 4:00 pm – 8:00 pm

Tuesday – 7:30 am – 11:00 am

Pechacek Funeral Home, Chester, Illinois

Memorials :

St. Mary’s Catholic School