Mary Ann Hempen

Mary Ann Hempen, 92 of St. Rose, died Sunday, December 1, 2024 at her home. She was born October 2, 1932 in St. Rose, the daughter of Stephen and Mary, nee Tebbe, Wilke. She married Cletus Hempen on September 23, 1953 at St. Rose Church and he preceded her in death on April 2, 2017.

Mary Ann is survived by her children, Mark Hempen of Jamestown, Debra (Mike) Gall of St. Rose, Tony (Geralyn) Hempen of Highland, Jane (Rex) Baer of Harrisonville, MO, and Larry (Tracy) Hempen of St. Rose; 12 grandchildren, Bob Crippen, Jonathan Gall, Phillip Gall, Melissa Poss, Nathan Gall, Amanda Heinzmann, Andrew Baer, Eric Hempen, Mary Downey, Matthew Baer, Jessie Hempen, and Nicole Hempen; 18 great-grandchildren; a sister, Irma Korte; and a sister-in-law, Cecilia Wilke.

In addition to her parents and husband she was preceded in death by her daughter, Phyllis Crippen; daughter-in-law, Karen Taylor; great-grandson, Isaiah Jones; brother, Andrew Wilke; and sisters, Sr. Martha Wilke, Sr. Priscilla Wilke, Sr. Henrietta Wilke, and Bertha Kluemke, brother-in-law Herb Korte and Frank Kluemke.

Mary Ann was a dedicated wife and loving mother. She considered her Catholic faith a great blessing. Mary Ann worked beside her husband, Cletus on their dairy farm for over 30 years. She was an avid reader of spiritual literature and current events. Some of her hobbies included gardening, canning, bread making, sewing, and quilting.

Funeral Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, December 7, 2024 at St. Rose Catholic Church in St. Rose. Burial will follow at St. Rose Cemetery.

Visitation will be held from 9 a.m. until 10:45 a.m. on Saturday, December 7, 2024 at St. Rose Catholic Church.

Memorials may be made to the St. Rose Catholic Church or St. Rose Fire Department and will be received at church or Nordike Funeral Home, 150 N. Clinton St., Breese, IL 62230 who is serving the family.