- 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
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