Mary Elizabeth Bontjes

Mary Elizabeth “Hogan” Bontjes, age 95, died Saturday, April 15, 2023 at Generations at Neighbor’s in Byron surrounded by her loving family.  She was born Nov. 16, 1927 in rural Byron, the daughter of William L. and Anna Mae (Stine) Hogan.  She graduated from Byron High School in 1945.  Mary met her husband Gene Bontjes at the Indian Village restaurant on the Rock River in 1948. She married Russell E. “Gene” Bontjes on July 30, 1949.  He preceded her on July 13, 2004.  Mary loved her job working at Cacciatore’s Grocery Store in Byron where she worked for many years.  She helped own and operate a flower shop in Byron many years ago.  Mary was a charter member of the St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Byron.  She loved being a grandmother.  She also enjoyed playing cards with her friends and family, especially playing the game 500.  Mary started bowling in 1946 and bowled up until the age of 91.  She loved sports in her younger years and was on the Bitner Bakery Softball team and played in a girls’ basketball team in the 1950’s.  She was famous for her granny brownies and custard pie.  Mary was active in the American Legion Ladies Auxiliary since 1949 where she held may offices, including president.  She was active in fund raising for the Legion and getting it paid for.  She loved Thursday night Bingo and would often serve meals for the event. During the holidays, Mary was a bell ringer for the Salvation Army and was given the task of collecting and depositing the funds raised.  She was predeceased by her parents, her husband Gene, son Brian, and brothers Bill and Fran Hogan.  She is survived by her 2 sons Craig (Patty) Bontjes of Byron, IL and Alan (Susan) Bontjes of Grand Detour, IL; brother Charles Wilbur of Potomac, Maryland and sister-in-law Pat Hogan of Byron; grandchildren: Kelli Kellogg of Portland, Oregon; Jack Bontjes of Grand Detour, IL; and Andrew (Christina) Mundt of Byron, IL; great grandchildren: Devin, Taylor, Brynn, Callen, Kaelub, Cole, Nick, and Max; a great-great grandchild on the way, and many nieces and nephews.  A memorial Mass will be held 11:00 am, Friday, April 21, 2023 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Byron, IL with the Rev. Rich Rosinski officiating.  Visitation will be held prior to the service at the church from 9:00 am to 10:45 am.  Burial will be at the St. Mary’s Cemetery following the service.  A memorial fund is established in Mary’s name and may be directed to her family.