Grace Elizabeth Loftus, 93, of Geneseo, a sweet and loving mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother passed away Sunday, December 31, 2023, at Hammond Henry Hospital, Geneseo. A memorial service celebrating Grace’s life will be held on Monday, July 22, 2024, at 11:00 a.m., when family members from seven states will travel to honor their beloved mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. It will be held at Vandemore Funeral Homes & Crematory – Geneseo Chapel. Per her wishes, cremation rites have been accorded and an inurnment will be held at Oakwood Cemetery, Geneseo. A memorial visitation will be from 9:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. on July 22, 2024, prior to the service, with a Recitation of the Rosary being recited at 9:00 a.m., prior to the visitation at the funeral home. Memorials may be directed to St. Malachy Church, 595 E. Ogden Avenue, Geneseo, IL, 61254 or to the Geneseo-Atkinson Food Pantry, 620 W. Main Street, Geneseo, IL, 61254.
Grace was born on July 24, 1930, in Prophetstown, Illinois, the daughter of Glen D. and Grace L. (Egert) Wildemuth. They preceded her in death in 1976 and 1995, respectively. She had three older brothers, Dale, Ivan, and Chet, all of whom are deceased. They usually called her “Sis” and even non-family members would sometimes use this nickname. Grace had fond memories of growing up on a farm and always said it was a good life. Grace attended Grandview Elementary, a one room schoolhouse in Atkinson, and graduated from Atkinson High School in 1948. She was united in marriage to Robert E. Loftus on February 26, 1949, at St. Anthony Catholic Church, Atkinson, IL. They were married 44 years before he passed away on November 24, 1993. Grace and Bob were blessed with four daughters, Karen, Pamela, Cynthia, and Roberta.
Grace was a longtime member of St. Malachy Catholic Church in Geneseo, where she was a member of the Altar & Rosary Society and Circle 14. In earlier years, she was a Girl Scout leader, a volunteer at St. Malachy School, and was involved in the Parents’ Club. Grace spent many hours visiting and helping friends who were homebound. She also enjoyed going to movies, gardening, and taking care of her flowers. Grace babysat for her grandchildren as often as possible and was a devoted fan at many of their sporting events. Later in life, she found pleasure in feeding and watching the birds and squirrels in her yard and reading. Grace was kind and generous and spent her lifetime helping others. She was like a grandma to some of the neighborhood children.
Grace was an exceptional mother to her four girls, and a devoted and loving grandmother and great-grandmother. She was a wonderful cook, and cooking and baking for her family was a great source of pleasure for her. Grace’s coconut cream pies, homemade ice cream, homemade pizza, and potato salad were family favorites. She was always up for a game of cards and was an avid reader. Her spirituality was very important to her and evident in every aspect of her life. She believed in the power of prayer and prayed daily for the well-being of each family member. Grace will be remembered most for her love of family and friends. Her family brought her great joy and happiness. They were the center of her life, and she was extremely proud of each and every one of them. The time she cherished most was the time spent with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. All of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren called her ” Grammie”.
Grace’s journey on Earth may have ended, but the power of her love will live on forever in the hearts of her family. She will be greatly missed by her daughters and sons-in-law, Karen and Paul Schmidt (He passed away on May 29, 2009) of Fairview, Texas, Pamela and Craig Johnson of Blair, Nebraska, Cindi and Bryn Miller of Geneseo, Illinois, Roberta and Dr. Galin Schram of Loves Park, Illinois; eleven grandchildren who filled her life with joy, Michael Schmidt (He passed away on January 10, 1972.), Kristin (Christopher) Willits, Troy Schmidt, Jennifer (Tim) Rogge, Terry (Heather) Johnson, Melissa (Adam) Acker, Holly Baumgart (Luke Schmehil), Dr. Laura Miller, Erin (Grant) Moore, Dr. Nick (Dr. Kelli) Schram, and Dr. Chuck (Dr. Kayla) Schram; proud great-grandmother of 19 great-grandchildren, Hannah and Zachary Willits, Cailyn Johnson, Tabitha and Mila Rogge, Taylor and Toren Johnson, Alec Tapp, Hailey, Austin, and Riley Acker, Landon and Hudson Moore, Hilton, Bauer, and Lachlan Schram, Charlee Grace Schram, Londyn Baumgart, and Sienna Schmehil. Grace is also survived by three sisters-in-law, Bonnie Wildemuth of Blue Grass, Iowa, Louise Wildemuth of Geneseo, and Darlene (Jim) Burns of Raleigh, N.C. , and several nieces and nephews.
A special thanks to Grace’s neighbors for their friendship and help throughout the years, Greg and Lesley Banister, and Keegan, Kaytie, and Karson Banister. Also. a heartfelt thank you to Brenda Nelson for styling Grace’s hair weekly these past years.