Mabel Johanna Schickedanz, gracious and kind homemaker and talented musician, died Wednesday, April 25, at the age of 98.
She was born Mabel Johanna Triefenbach December 1, 1919 to Henry and Louisa, nee Sinn, Triefenbach and lived with them, her sister Mildred, and brothers Alvin and LeRoy in Marissa.
Active in high school as a friend and wanted piano accompanist, Mabel was wooed and won by Marissa-bred Irving Schickedanz. They were married in 1944 and had two sons David (Judith) Schickedanz and John (Leah) Schickedanz Barrett. For a time she worked as a hairdresser and at the First National Bank of Marissa, as well as Triefenbach Ford, Inc.
Mabel and Irving enjoyed 72 years together and were proud of their sons and their grandchildren, Jody (Josh) Giuntoli, Stacey (David) Pilbean, and Adam (Heather) Bennett Schickedanz; and great-grandchildren Bruce Giuntoli, Zoe Giuntoli, Vincent Giuntoli, Meagan Pilbean, Adisen Pilbean, and Aria Bennet Schickedanz.
She taught her children and grandchildren by example to praise God, pray, meditate, and be thankful. Patient Mabel lived by Biblical words, “Love is patient, love is kind.”
A talented piano and organ player, she read music and could also play by ear. Mabel last played less than a week before her death at St. Paul’s in Belleville when she performed a rousing rendition of “The Star Spangled Banner”. She played piano and organ at Marissa Friedens United Church of Christ for 74 years and was a choir director for 70. Marvelous Mabel to accompanied music competition youngsters from Marissa, New Athens, and St. Libory for many years.
Growing up and living in Marissa, Mabel and her husband Irving had an affinity for community service and were great with group dynamics. They were in unit in church, music, and scouts. Mabel will always be remembered for her leadership in the Church Council, Friedens Women’s Fellowship, Marissa Kitchen Band, the CIHU (Can I Help You?) group, and Fireside Group.
Her granddaughters will long reminisce about the lessons, lovingly taught them, in the kitchen and making cookies, especially at Christmas time. They knew that Mabel was an amazing cook who had perfected pot roast and chocolate chip cookies.
Perhaps as a child enduring being hit by a car and having a broken leg and pelvis, surviving typhoid fever, and withstanding some hard falls, Mabel could be called tough. Experiences like that gave her determination and strength that helped her live 98 years, 4 months, and 25 days.
Memorials may be made to Friedens United Church of Christ of Marissa.
Condolences to the family may be expressed on line at www.heilschuessler.com.
Visitation: Friends ma call at Heil-Schuessler Funeral Home in Marissa, IL on Friday, April 27, 2018 form 5:00pm to 8pm and at Friedens United Church of Christ in Marissa, Il on Saturday, April 28, 2018 from 9:00am to 11:00am.
Funeral: Services will be held at Friedens United Church of Christ in Marissa, IL on Saturday, April 28, 2018 at 11:00am with Rev. Brett Palmer officiating.
Internment: Burial will be held in the Marissa Township Cemetery in Marissa, IL.
Heil-Schuessler Funeral Home in Marissa, IL is in charge of arrangements.
John & Family,
We just heard of your Mother’s passing and wanted to let you know how sorry we are. Mabel was such a kind woman who dedicated her life to her Family and to the Church. We were all fortunate to have know her and will certainly miss her.
You have our deepest sympathies.
Mike, Bianca & Corina Bottiaux
Posted by: Michael Bottiaux – Herrin, IL – Family Friend Apr 29, 2018
ReplyWas sad we didn’t know this until today. You have our sympathy . What a kind lady
Posted by: Stan and Bev Lewis – Marissa, IL – Friend Apr 29, 2018
ReplyMy condolences to the family. Mabel was a great inspiration to me in my beginning days of learning to play the organ. I was always amazed at her ability to play just about any selection. Fond memories of Mabel playing the theatre organ in our home some years ago and I will always remember the many special services together at Friedens.
Posted by: Bob Heil – Pleasant Hope, MO – friend Apr 27, 2018
ReplyCheryll and I are so sorry to hear about Aunt Mabel’s death. She was a remarkable lady and such a wonderful musician and I remember many happy times with her and Uncle Irving. We offer our thoughts and prayers to the family and only wish it was possible for us to be there for the funeral, but we will be thinking about all of you.
Posted by: Gordon Triefenbach – Crystal Lake, IL – Family Apr 27, 2018
ReplyStacey, I’m so sorry for the loss of your sweet grandma, hugs,and prayers for during this difficult time.Tara S.
Posted by: A friend Apr 27, 2018
ReplyMy sympathy to your family. There is no doubt that Mabel lived a good and full life. I remember being in junior choir and adult choir at Friedens and when my husband and I married she (of course!) was the organist as she was for countless other weddings and events. She will be remembered fondly by so many.
Posted by: Linda Vincent – Honolulu, HI – Friend Apr 27, 2018
ReplyDavid, John, and family. I was saddened to hear of your mothers passing. You have my deepest sympathy’s.
I remember singing melody a song with the junior choir at Friedens with your mother at the organ.
I have only known a few gracious ladies in my life, and your mother is one of them. I would imagine that you all will miss her dearly.
Posted by: Don Lehman – Copan, OK – Friend Apr 26, 2018
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David, John, and family. I was saddened to hear of your mothers passing. You have my deepest sympathy’s.
I remember singing melody a song with the junior choir at Friedens with your mother at the organ.
I have only known a few gracious ladies in my life, and your mother is one of them. I would imagine that you all will miss her dearly.
Posted by: Don Lehman – Copan, OK – Friend Apr 26, 2018
My sympathy to your family. There is no doubt that Mabel lived a good and full life. I remember being in junior choir and adult choir at Friedens and when my husband and I married she (of course!) was the organist as she was for countless other weddings and events. She will be remembered fondly by so many.
Posted by: Linda Vincent – Honolulu, HI – Friend Apr 27, 2018
Stacey, I’m so sorry for the loss of your sweet grandma, hugs,and prayers for during this difficult time.Tara S.
Posted by: A friend Apr 27, 2018
Cheryll and I are so sorry to hear about Aunt Mabel’s death. She was a remarkable lady and such a wonderful musician and I remember many happy times with her and Uncle Irving. We offer our thoughts and prayers to the family and only wish it was possible for us to be there for the funeral, but we will be thinking about all of you.
Posted by: Gordon Triefenbach – Crystal Lake, IL – Family Apr 27, 2018
My condolences to the family. Mabel was a great inspiration to me in my beginning days of learning to play the organ. I was always amazed at her ability to play just about any selection. Fond memories of Mabel playing the theatre organ in our home some years ago and I will always remember the many special services together at Friedens.
Posted by: Bob Heil – Pleasant Hope, MO – friend Apr 27, 2018
Was sad we didn’t know this until today. You have our sympathy . What a kind lady
Posted by: Stan and Bev Lewis – Marissa, IL – Friend Apr 29, 2018
John & Family,
We just heard of your Mother’s passing and wanted to let you know how sorry we are. Mabel was such a kind woman who dedicated her life to her Family and to the Church. We were all fortunate to have know her and will certainly miss her.
You have our deepest sympathies.
Mike, Bianca & Corina Bottiaux
Posted by: Michael Bottiaux – Herrin, IL – Family Friend Apr 29, 2018