Mary Lou Ilgenfritz

Mary Lou Ilgenfritz was born into this life in St. Louis, MO. to Louis and Bea Blechle on September 19, 1936. She departed this life peacefully at home on August 29, 2022, at the age of 85, 11 months 21 days. Mary Lou was baptized in the Catholic Church and was an active member throughout her life. In the 1940s, Mary Lou’s family moved to O’Fallon, MO. Betty Sitzer, Bernice Schulte, Don Blechle, James Blechle, Alice Guiffrida. Mary Lou graduated from Assumption High School in 1954. Mary Lou attended college at Fontbonne University when a nun from Assumption approached her to start teaching at St. Clement School in Des Peres. Mary Lou went on to teach at Assumption in O’Fallon, MO., St. Joseph School in Cottleville, MO., St. Joseph School in Josephville, MO., and St. Patrick School in Wentzville, MO. Mary Lou met the love of her life in 1955. Frank Ilgenfritz and Mary Lou were married on June 14, 1958 at Assumption Church in O’Fallon, MO. They enjoyed 64 wonderful years of marriage. They had six children born to them: Mary Rice, John Ilgenfritz, Scott Ilgenfritz, Penny Collins, Todd Ilgenfritz, and Rob Ilgenfritz. Mary Lou and Frank built a school room in the lower level of their home in Hi Point Acres, MO. in the late 60’s as kindergarten was not a part of public schools yet. Mary Lou’s school was called Mother Goose Kindergarten. The classes were so popular she had morning and afternoon sessions. In 1982, Mary Lou and Frank “retired” to Osage Beach, MO. During her retirement, she enjoyed crocheting, playing Bingo, Mahjong, and cards with friends. Mary Lou loved jewelry and shoes. She got a job as a manager at the jewelry store Tanaja at Tantara resort which she enjoyed for years before taking the manager position at Capezio Shoes. Mary Lou then moved to Naturalizer Shoes and worked there for years before retiring in the winter of 1998. Mary Lou was a volunteer for Lake Regional hospital for 13 years from 1995 to 2008 in which time she put in 1485 hours. Mary Lou loved teaching and especially to young children preparing to make their first communion. She prepared children for their first communion at St. Roberts Parish Religion classes, St. Barnabas in O’Fallon, MO., Our Lady of the Lake in Lake Ozark, and St. Anthony’s in Camdenton, MO. Mary Lou was also active for years with the Crafty Ladies and St. Anthony’s Gift Shop. Mary Lou was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great grandmother to seven and one on the way. She will be deeply missed. A Funeral Mass will take place at 11:00 a.m., Thursday, September 1, 2022 at St. Anthony Catholic Church in Camdenton, Missouri. Visitation will be held prior to the service from 10:00-11:00 a.m., at St. Anthony Catholic Church. Interment will take place in St. Anthony's Catholic Cemetery following the Funeral Mass. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Alzheimer's Association and left at the church or mailed to Allee-Holman-Howe Funeral Home. Arrangements are under the direction of Allee-Holman-Howe Funeral Home.