Mardelle Wagner Duffy died peaceful at 1:40 a.m. July 3, 2017 surrounded by family and in the loving embrace of her devoted Hospice Aid and friend Jill Klein, who assisted her in the transition to Eternal Life.


Mardelle was born on August 11, 1928 on the farm at Kempton, IL, the daughter of Agnes Monahan Wagner and Gustave Conrad Wagner. At the age of 8, the family relocated to the village of Cullom where she attended the Cullom schools and resided until her marriage.


Mardelle married Thomas E Duffy on November 22, 1947 at St John's Catholic Church in Cullom, and moved to Melvin, IL.

Visitation will be held Saturday, July 8, 2017 from 10:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, Roberts, IL.

A funeral Mass will follow at the Church at 11:00 a.m. Interment will follow at the Melvin Cemetery, Melvin, IL. Baier Family Funeral Services, Paxton is handling arrangements.

Mardelle is survived by her children: Mary Gehring (Robert) New Berlin, WI; Barbara Duffy, Chicago, IL; Thomas Duffy, Melvin, IL; Patrick Duffy, Roberts, IL; Grandchildren: Christopher Gehring (Jen) great grandchildren Kirsten and Grace, from WI; and granddaughter Sarah (Chris) Zietlow, and great grandson Matthew from WI, and her closest friend and confidante Judy Langley of Gibson City.

Mardelle was preceded in death by her parents, husband Thomas, son Michael Anthony, sister Marie Billerbeck (Wm), brother Everett Wagner (Nell), and brother Ervine Wagner (Virginia), and her faithful dog Blackie.


Mardelle was a former member of St George Catholic Church Melvin until its closing, and a member of the Altar and Rosary Society at St George. She later transferred to Our Lady of Lourdes Gibson City / Immaculate Conception Roberts.


Mardelle loved gardening, the Chicago Cubs, EWTN-Mother Angelica, her great dog Blackie, family gatherings and praying for people and causes in need. Most of all, she loved children, and people. After her own family was grown, she was always finding replacements to dote after.


The past year of Hospice Care was a difficult journey for Mardelle which she could not have completed without the living Angels that helped her especially Fr. Tom and the Eucharist Team from OLL; her daily companion and aid Jo Ann Moyer, nurses: Ashley, Becky, Deb, Lori, Joyce, Tamie, Paula and CNAS Butch, Kevin (Transitions Hospice), Jennifer, Val, Tyler, Conrad and others whom we can never adequately thank.

Memorials may be made to St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital, or the Catholic Church in Roberts or Gibson City. Condolences may be offered at www.baierfuneralservices.com.