By Jim Meridith
Posted: Updated:
11 Comments
  • Visitation

    Saturday, November 11, 2023,

    9:00 am to 10:00 am

    St. Paul Catholic Church, Highland, IL

    Meridith Funeral Home, Highland, IL

  • Service

    Saturday, November 11, 2023

    10:00 am

    St. Paul Catholic Church, Highland, IL

    Meridith Funeral Home, Highland, IL

  • Full Obituary

    Maryjo “MJ” (Wetzel) Bielong, 67, of Greenville, IL, gained her wings Monday, December 19, 2022, at St. John’s Hospital in Springfield, IL. with her family by her side.

    Maryjo was born June 13, 1955, in Kalamazoo, MI.  She was blessed to have loving parents, John and Lillian (nee Gregory) Wetzel.

    Maryjo grew up in Highland and attended St. Paul Catholic School.  During her high school years, she was part of the singing group, The Small Society.  The Small Society recorded an album and travelled to communities where they shared their voices.

    After living in the Highland area for many years, her love of the sun took her to Phoenix, AZ. She and her adult children lived in Phoenix for over 10 years, before they all returned to Illinois. Upon her return to the area, Maryjo joined and was active at both St. Paul Catholic Church in Highland, and St. Nicholas Church in Pocahontas.

    Maryjo earned an Associate Degree in Paralegal Studies from Lewis and Clark Community College.  She worked as a legal secretary/paralegal, at various law firms in AZ, IL and MO.  Most recently, Maryjo worked for the Midland States Bank family.  She spent her time at MSB in the Risk Department and was recently promoted to Senior Risk Analyst.  During her time working for Midland States Bank, Maryjo completed their Master’s Program, was thought highly of as a team member and participated in their team huddles and other activities with passion and enthusiasm.

    When Maryjo entered a room, her smile and laughter were contagious!  With a vivacious and fun spirit, she shared her energy with those around her generously, and never met a stranger.  She enjoyed listening to music, singing with her friends at their gigs/open mics and would be on any dance floor.  Her adventurous and exploratory side loved to travel, taking her on many road trips, and enjoying her annual summer trips with her daughter.  Maryjo loved to swim and was a passionate reader.  She was a friend to many, and good listener when you needed it.  Maryjo especially loved spending time with her cats L.T. and Lu and her grand dogs, Izzy and Lucy.

    “Life is a song-sing it!  Life is a game-play it!  Life is a challenge-meet it!  Life is a dream-realize it!  Life is a sacrifice-offer it!  Life is love-enjoy it!”

    She was preceded in death by her parents, John and Lillian Wetzel; brother, Michael “Mike” Wetzel.

    Maryjo is survived by her children, Bridget (Justin Giboney) Dressel, and Michael (Jamie Hill) Dressel; brothers, John G. “Jack”  (Catherine) Wetzel, Dallas, TX, and Gerard M. “Jerry” (Nancy Nanke) Wetzel, Gainesville, FL; nieces, nephews, cousins, friends; and her beloved cats, L.T. and Lu.

    Memorials may be made to Bond County Humane Society or OSF Moeller Cancer Center.

    Memorial Visitation: Saturday, November 11, 2023, from 9:00 to 10:00 am, at St. Paul Catholic Church, Highland, IL

    Mass of Christian Burial: Saturday, November 11, 2023, 10:00 am, at St. Paul Catholic Church, Highland, IL

    Clergy: Fr. Pat Jakel and Fr. Paul Bonk

    Interment: St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery

    Meridith Funeral Home, Highland, IL

Condolences are reviewed and published within 24 hours.

11 Condolences
 
  1. Connie Tauser / December 21, 2022 at 11:38 am

    My condolences to the family. Maryjo was in my class and graduated from st paul with me. I do remember her love of music and energy.

  2. Gail Langel Murphy / December 21, 2022 at 11:50 am

    I don’t know what my life will be without being to talk to her, see her, go on adventures with her. Is is my sister now and forever. If you missed knowing her as I do. You truly have missed

  3. Anna Griesbaum / December 21, 2022 at 12:36 pm

    Bridget, I am so so so sorry to hear the passing of your mom. She was truly one of my favorite patients when i worked at Highland Physicians. Endless love and prayers for you, your family, and all who knew and loved Mary Jo.

    Anna Griesbaum

  4. Giboney Gloria / December 21, 2022 at 3:12 pm

    I am sorry for the loss of your mom my prayers are with you and your family

  5. Maxine Murphy / December 22, 2022 at 9:38 am

    To Mary Jo’s family. I am sad to hear of her passing. We were in Small Society together for several years. She had an incredible singing voice and a warmth that contributed heavily to our success. Her laughter was contagious and she brightened an entire room with her bubbly personality. She will definitely be missed, and will be alive in our hearts forever

  6. Diana (Poss) Rogers / December 22, 2022 at 9:43 am

    I am so sorry to hear of Mary Jo’s passing. My sincere condolences to her family and friends. I grew up in the same neighborhood and we all played together as kids. I am sure she will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved her.

  7. Rajita Nair / December 23, 2022 at 9:30 am

    I knew Maryjo through my work. She made such an impression in the first meeting itself. Her laugh, love for books were some of things we connected on.
    I enjoyed every conversation I have had with her. She is someone I admired, respected and I am glad I had the opportunity to meet her in person at least once.
    Maryjo you will always be remembered very fondly by me.

  8. Donna Stoff / December 24, 2022 at 2:00 pm

    Jack Sorry to hear the news of the loss of your sister, Maryjo. I will miss her friendship. For me, she will always be remembered for her beautiful singing voice, and I believe she is definitely singing with the angels in heaven. I enjoyed her performances with the Small Society singing group. In my heart of hearts, I will always hear her singing the song, “Leaving on a Jet Plane.”

    My thoughts and prayers are with you, Jack, Gerard M. “Jerry,” her family, especially Michael and Bridget and to everyone who knew her.

    With Love and Friendship,

    Donna Stoff
    St. Paul High School Class of 1975

  9. Donald & Kathleen Reed / December 28, 2022 at 10:35 am

    Deepest sympathy to all her family & friends. She always had a great story to tell. Don & I will miss seeing her. She was deeply devoted to God.

  10. Anne Bjornson Parkinson / January 2, 2023 at 9:42 pm

    Dear Jerry and family: I remember Mary Jo from years ago at St. Paul High School. She had so much energy and made life look exciting. I attended every Small Society concert I could and played the album incessantly. It was my introduction to 1960s folk music! I am so sorry she and Mike are gone so quickly. Their memories are still with me and the rest of the St. Paul graduates

  11. Patty Greguska / January 7, 2023 at 9:27 am

    Bridget, Jack, Jerry and families
    We are so sorry for your loss! MaryJo is my cousin and even though I haven’t seen her in quite some years she will remain in our hearts forever!

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