Marjorie “Margie” Mahler

Age 86 of Gardner, Illinois, passed away Wednesday, March 27, 2024 at her home. 

Born July 8, 1937 in Kankakee, Illinois, Marjorie Delores was the first child of Edward and Vivian (McComb) Malek. She was raised and educated in Gardner, graduated from Gardner South Wilmington High School with the Class of 1955, and later attended Joliet Junior College. On June 29, 1957 Margie married Harold George Mahler, and for 63 years they raised their family and made their home in Goodfarm Township in Gardner.

She was a very active member of the Church of Hope in Gardner, serving as an Elder and Deacon. Margie also organized many fundraisers and dinners in support of the church's Women's Association. She also served her community, helping the Goodfarm Grade School when it was operating, was a leader of the 4-H Goodfarm Guys and Gals, and served as an election judge. Margie had various jobs over the years, with caring for the residents from the William Fox Developmental Center in Dwight, Illinois at Service Exchange and driving a school bus for the South Wilmington, Goodfarm, and Dwight school systems being some of the most rewarding. Her most important role was that of wife and mother, and she was blessed to see her family grow to include grandchildren, great grandchildren, and great-great grandchildren.

Survivors include two children: Verna Sue Morecraft of Gardner and Richard Scott Mahler of Manteno, Illinois; five grandchildren: Margaret (Tom) Shuck, Michelle Reese, Michael (Diana) Morecraft, Marlene (Mark) Woodward, and Stephanie Mahler; as well as seven great grandchildren and four great-great grandchildren; two sisters: Pat (Don) Farrer of Lemont, Illinois and Deborah (James) Kratochvil of Gardner; one brother: William (Faye Lynn) Malek of Lakeview, Arkansas, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Margie was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Harold "Fuzz" Mahler; one son, Robert Craig Mahler; one son-in-law, David Morecraft; and one grandson-in-law, Richard Reese.

The family will receive friends for a visitation at Church of Hope, 202 North Monroe Street, in Gardner on Tuesday, April 2, 2024 from 2:00 p.m. until the time of funeral services at 4:00 p.m. Reverend Jan Chandler will officiate, and a private family interment will be at Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery in Elwood, Illinois.

Preferred memorials may be made as gifts in Margie's memory to the Church of Hope in Gardner.

Family and friends are encouraged to sign the online guest book, upload photographs, and share Margie's memorial page via social media.

Funeral services and arrangements have been made under the direction and care of Reeves & Baskerville Funeral Homes and Crematory in Gardner (815) 237-2526.