Mary Wilhelm Obituary
Mary Jane Wilhelm, 97, of Geneseo, IL, passed away Monday, September 15, 2025, at Hillcrest Home with her loving family by her side.
Funeral Mass will be 12:30 p.m. Saturday, September 20, 2025, Mary Our Lady of Peace Catholic Church, 1402 10th Street, Orion. Visitation will be from 4-7 p.m. Friday, September 19, 2025, at Esterdahl Mortuary & Crematory, Ltd., 1301 4th Street, Orion, with a Rosary to be recited at 4 p.m. Burial will be at Western Township Cemetery. Memorials may be made to a favorite charity.
Mary was born on August 15, 1928, in Moline, the daughter of Joseph and Hazel (Countryman) Hamerlinck. She married Russell L. Watkins on May 24, 1947, in Milan and together they had three children and numerous grandchildren. He preceded her in death in April of 1977, and she later married James F. Wilhelm on June 24, 2000, in Edgington. Jim preceded her in death in October of 2006. She started her career at Farmer State Bank in Sherrard and worked there for many years. She then worked as a Trust Officer at the former First Midwest Bank in Moline. Mary loved sewing, reading, and praying the Rosary daily. She also enjoyed farming, gardening and tending to her plants. She was a devoted member of Mary Our Lady of Peace Catholic Church and was incredibly proud of her family’s multiple generations.
Survivors include her children, Carol Blankenship, Kathleen (David) DeSmith and Stephen (Susan) Watkins; 11 grandchildren; 17 great grandchildren; 6 great-great grandchildren; brother, Eugene (Elizabeth) Hamerlinck; and the Wilhelm family.
She was preceded in death by her siblings, Dale and Dean; and two grandsons, Kalin and Jacob.
On behalf of Mary, we would like to extend our appreciation to all of the family, friends, clergy, neighbors and caregivers for the help and love she received.
Memories may be shared online by visiting esterdahl.com.
1301 Fourth Street, Orion, IL 61273
People and places connected with Mary
Recent Obituaries
Recent Obituaries
Recent Obituaries
Memories and Condolences
for Mary Wilhelm
Make a Donation
in Mary Wilhelm's name
Please consider a donation as requested by the family.
How to support Mary's loved ones
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read more
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreWays to honor Mary Wilhelm's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
