Marie Teresa (Borschnack) Rodawold

Age 94, of Wilmington, Illinois, passed away on Saturday, June 13, 2026, at home surrounded by her loving family.

Marie was born on January 10, 1932, in a country home near Herscher, Illinois, the daughter of Fred and Teresa (McLaughlin) Borschnack of Wilmington, formerly of Cabrey.

Marie attended Wadleigh Grade School through the eighth grade before entering Cabrey High School as a freshman, where she proudly recalled being the first student picked up on the school bus route. Following school consolidation, she completed her sophomore year at Herscher High School, where she participated in glee club, cheerleading, volleyball, basketball, and soccer.

When her family moved to Wilmington, Marie finished her junior and senior years at Wilmington High School, which at that time was housed in the building formerly occupied by Booth Central School. During her senior year, she was active in both the band and cheerleading squad and graduated with the Class of 1949.

Following graduation, Marie worked at E.B. Hiles’ 5 & 10 Dime Store in Wilmington, where she met Louis “Spike” Rodawold and began a courtship that would lead to a lifetime together. During those years, she also enjoyed playing softball. After successfully completing the Civil Service examination, Marie accepted a position as a steno-secretary at the Joliet Army Ammunition Plant, where she worked from 1950 until December of 1955. Shortly thereafter, she and Spike were married on January 7, 1956 at Saint Rose of Lima Catholic Church in Wilmington, beginning a beautiful marriage rooted in faith, family, and love. Together they established their home on the family farm, where they lovingly raised their seven children.

A devoted member of her community, Marie was a faithful parishioner of St. Rose Catholic Church, an active member of the Council of Catholic Women, and was honored as the parish’s Woman of the Year in 1993. She played a key role in organizing funeral dinners and generously shared her gifts of hospitality with countless families over the years.

Marie embraced her role as a homemaker, farm wife, and mother with pride and dedication. Alongside neighboring farm wives, she helped provide meals during harvest seasons, threshing days, and times of illness, embodying the spirit of community and service. She filled her home with the aromas of home-cooked meals and baked goods, lovingly prepared for her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

An avid Chicago Cubs fan, Marie rarely missed an opportunity to attend her children's and grandchildren's sporting events and activities. She enjoyed reading, gardening, crafting, photography, and dancing, especially to polka’s. She loved card games, especially euchre, and delighted in telling others about the day she managed to get four lone hands in a single game session. Summer Fourth of July celebrations were among her favorite traditions and she proudly pitched the opening pitch to the “top” hitters to strike them out, even when using a walker.

Above all else, Marie cherished her faith, her family, and her friendships. She was a woman of unwavering devotion, generosity, strength, and compassion. Though gentle and selfless, she possessed a spirited determination and a touch of feistiness that those who knew her loved dearly. She delighted in sending cards and never missed an opportunity to call loved ones to sing "Happy Birthday" or commemorate an anniversary.

Marie is survived by her children: Joseph (Rosa) Rodawold, Janet (John) Seibert, Rita Rodawold, and James Rodawold, all of Wilmington; John (Serena) Rodawold of Aurora; Richard (Janice) Rodawold of Joliet; and Teresa (Charlie) Bachmann of Channahon; 21 grandchildren; 24 great-grandchildren; and numerous cousins, dear friends, and extended family members.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her beloved husband, Louis “Spike” Rodawold; daughter-in-law, Katie Rodawold; brothers, James (Louise) Borschnack and Joseph (Cookie) Borschnack; sister, Anne (Bill) Flanagan; sisters-in-law, Mary (Ned) Long and Margaret (Richard) Sheldrake; and numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Marie’s heartfelt wish was to remain in her home, and thanks to the loving care provided by her family, she was able to do so for nearly all of her life. In her final weeks, additional caregivers joined in providing comfort, compassion, and support. Her family extends their sincere gratitude to her dedicated caregivers and the staff of Lightways Hospice for the exceptional care they provided.

Visitation will be held at Baskerville Funeral Home, 700 East Kahler Road on Thursday June 18, 2026, between the hours of 3:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. Funeral services will follow in St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church in Wilmington on Friday, June 19, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be concelebrated with Rev. Sebastian Gargol and Rev. John Merkelis, OSA presiding. Marie will be laid to rest at Mount Olivet Cemetery in Wilmington alongside her husband, Spike.

Preferred memorials may be made as gifts in Marie’s memory to Kuzma Care Cottage, 635 S. Main Street, Wilmington, IL 60481 or to St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church, 635 S. Main Street, Wilmington, IL 60481.

Family and friends are encouraged to log onto www.BaskervilleFuneral.com to sign the guest book, upload photographs and share Marie’s memorial page online through social media.

Funeral services and arrangements have been made under the direction and care of Reeves Fruland & Baskerville Funeral Homes and Crematory. (815-476-2181)