Marie Bernadette Messel

Marie Bernadette Messel passed away on Tuesday, January 16, 2024. She was born on May 3, 1948 in Waukegan, Ill., the daughter of Richard and Esther (May) Schneider. She married Walter F. Messel August 30, 1969. She had four children; Walter (Andrea), Matthew, Gregory, and Nicolette; 14 grandchildren, five great-granddaughters and one great-grandson; four sisters Therese, Celine, Pauline and Leonie.

A Catholic Mass will be held at 11 a.m., Saturday, Feb. 3, at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church, Brodhead, with Father Joseph Bellamkonda presiding. There will be a visitation and rosary at 10 a.m. prior to the funeral. There will be a gathering after Mass in the basement of the Church.

Bernadette was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Walter Francis, her son, Matthew, and daughter Nicollette and sisters, Therese and Leonie.

Bernadette epitomized unconditional love; a basic goodness through powerful affection without conditions. Besides providing and raising extended family members, she farmed in Illinois and Wisconsin and then later worked exclusively in the horticulture field.

Her fondest memories were living on the Fox River in Johnsburg, Ill., and her family’s Boulder Junction Northwoods property. Her final dream became reality when she regained rightful ownership of her family’s estate.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be directed to the St. Anne’s Catholic Church of Boulder Junction in her memory. Bolger Funeral Home is assisting the family, www.bolgerfuneral.com for condolences.