Mary Jo Vahlkamp's Obituary
Decatur - Mary Jo Vahlkamp, 83, of Decatur, passed away peacefully, February 6, 2020, at St. Mary’s Hospital with her family at her side.
Mary Jo was born on December 4, 1936 in rural Breese, IL, the daughter of Anthony and Rosene Hilmes. She married Fred Vahlkamp at St. Anthony’s Church in Beckemeyer, IL on August 20, 1959.
Mary Jo was a member of Our Lady of Lourdes Church and served as one of the organists from 1968-80. She was a member of the Perpetual Adoration team at St. Mary’s Hospital Chapel, the Legion of Mary, and the Pana Prayer Group. She enjoyed giving her grandchildren piano lessons and attending their performances in the Swingsations Group at Mt. Zion High School.
Surviving are her children, Teresa (Jeff Nosek) Smith, Steve (Connie), Stuart, Vern, all of Decatur, and Diane (Joe) Conover of Carmel, IN; 8 grandchildren, brother Ralph (Carol) Hilmes and sister Blanche (Bob Eversgerd) Drake; sisters-in-law Willene Frehrmann, Rosemarie (Ray) Husman, Lillian (Jack) Fleckenstein, Mary Huwa, and Lee (Dan) Love; brother-in-law Vernon (Helen) Vahlkamp. Preceding her in death are her parents, her husband Fred of 59 years, sisters-in-law Mary Margaret Hilmes, Colette Vahlkamp, brothers-in-law Paul Fehrman and Jack Vahlkamp and wife Jane.
Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. at Moran & Goebel Funeral Home, 2801 N. Monroe, Decatur, on Monday, February 10, 2020. Rosary will be at 4:15 and prayer service led by Fr. Rick Weltin at 4:30 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial to celebrate her life will be 10 a.m. Tuesday, February 11, 2020, at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church, 3850 Lourdes Drive, Decatur. Interment will follow at Graceland Cemetery. Memorials may be given to Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church or WDCR Decatur Catholic Radio.
What’s your fondest memory of Mary?
What’s a lesson you learned from Mary?
Share a story where Mary's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Mary you’ll never forget.
How did Mary make you smile?
