Mary Burger Wolfert

Mary F. Burger Wolfert, 89 of Bradley, passed away Wednesday, November 23rd, 2022, at Faith Place Memory Care, Danforth, IL, surrounded in love. Mary was born January 10th, 1933, in Hunt City Township, IL, the only daughter of Berlyn and Emma (Miller) Yockey. She married her high school sweetheart Jimmie (Jim) Burger on May 17th, 1951, in Willow Hill, IL. After Jim got out of the service they moved to the Kankakee area, buying their first home in Bradley, Il to raise their family. Jim was killed in a car accident on his way home from work on May 16th, 1994, the day before what would've been their 43rd Wedding Anniversary. Mary later married Robert (Bob) Wolfert on March 2nd, 2000, in Crown Point, IN. whom she met at Riverside Hospital where they both served as Hospitality Volunteers. She had volunteered for years delivering flowers and cards to patients and was loved by all as she always had a smile on a face that would brighten a room. She and Bob were married until Bob's death on November 14th, 2021. She enjoyed crocheting baby afghans and did so for many years. When her daughters were young, she enjoyed sewing and made many of their clothes and outfits for their baby dolls and Barbies. Mary was a "mall walker" for many years when it was too cold to walk outside or ride her bike around her neighborhood. Mary was a member of The First Church of God, Kankakee, IL, where she taught Sunday School for many years and always enjoyed helping at Vacation Bible School and was active in the Women's group. She was also a member of the Bradley Women of the Moose Chapter for many years. Mary was an avid bowler and quite proud of her many bowling achievements for high series, high games, and League Championships. Over the years she bowled on a Women's Church league and several mixed leagues with Jim and later with Bob. Mary absolutely loved watching The Wheel of Fortune and would amaze everyone how she could solve a puzzle with only a couple of letters on the board. She also loved traveling to Hawaii where she went several times with her daughter Bonnie and son in law Mike. Her sister-in-law Martha Yockey was always her traveling companion and shopping partner and some of Mary's best times were on those trips. She loved her Grandkids and would try to attend as many of their activities as she was able to over the years. Spending time with them and family and friends were one of her favorite things to do. She'd say, "sit down, let's just visit". Mary had a laugh that was so contagious, once she'd start laughing the whole room would be laughing til they'd cry. Mary was known and loved as "Grandma Mary" to many children over the years and she loved being "bonus" Grandma to so many and loved them all! She is survived by: Daughters/Son in laws; Nancy and Raymond Raspolich, Kankakee, IL. Bonnie and Mike Felesena, Bradley, IL. Son/Daughter in law; Jerry and Ellen Burger, Antioch, IL Grandchildren: Kelly Felesena of Kankakee, IL, Justin Felesena of Bradley, IL, Bryan Burger of Iowa City, IA Great Granddaughter: Emma Stevenson of Kankakee, IL Stepdaughters: Debra McGehee (Jurgen), Cherry Valley, IL, Kim Peck (Will), Hobart, IN. Stepson: Chris Wolfert (Sue), Rochelle, IL. 17 Step Grandchildren and several Great Grandchildren. Brother: Berlyn Yockey, Jr., Willow Hill, IL Sister in laws and Brother in laws: Martha Yockey, Willow Hill, IL, Lorretta Reid, Ozark, MO, Marge (Gerald) Benge, Manteno, IL, John (Loni) Burger, Omaha, NE. and many nieces and nephews. And many wonderful friends and neighbors who were always there for Mary. Chris Norton, Bradley, IL, who was Mary's "Chrissy". Chris was a devoted and loving caregiver but more than that she was Mary's friend. Mary loved "her Chrissy" like her own daughter. Bella Chio, Kankakee, IL, who became family the last year caring for Bob and Mary. Mary loved seeing Bella and would say "we will do something fun when Bella comes". Mary was preceded in death by her parents, 4 older brothers and Granddaughter Kristy Dawn Harris. Visitation will be held Friday, December 2nd, 2022, from 4pm-7pm. A visitation will be held Saturday, December 3rd, 2022, from 9:00am until the funeral service at 10:00 am with Pastor Dan Morris officiating at Jensen Funeral Home, Kankakee, IL. Burial will follow at Kankakee Memorial Gardens. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Uplifted Care (formerly known as Hospice of Kankakee) or Prairieview Lutheran Homes designated for Faith Place Memory Care.