Obituary of Mary Ellen Lemmer

Mary Ellen Lemmer nee Simmons of Mt. Greenwood, passed from this life Friday, September 22, 2023 at the age of 82.  Mary Ellen is the beloved wife of the late Lieutenant John T. "Jack" Lemmer, CPD and the loving mother of Michael (Theresa) Lemmer, Thomas (Carrie Ann) Lemmer and Carol Lemmer.  She is the cherished grandmother of Lisa, Michael Ryan, Nichol, Michele, Farrah and Fawn and the devoted great grandmother of ten.  Mary Ellen is the dear sister of Gloria Castine, Catherine Kedzie and Frank Krueger and the fond aunt of many nieces and nephews.

Mary Ellen embraced the beauty of life, and willingly demonstrated her caring concern for others. She was a determined and passionate learner, with the courage to take on the challenges of developing new skills. She was an expert baker, gardener, and bookkeeper. After beginning a home business, she became the cofounder of Area Auction, Inc. Together with her longtime business partner, William J. Ectherling, Mary Ellen operated a vibrant auction house in Wilmington, Illinois, as well as gift and variety stores in both Wilmington and Alsip, Illinois. Mary Ellen loved the beaches of the Indiana Dunes and the adventures found on long highway drives. She valued faith, family, true friendship, honesty, and hard work.

Visitation for Mary Ellen will be held Thursday, September 28, from 3:00 pm until the time of funeral services at 7:00 pm at the Krueger Funeral Home, 13050 S. Greenwood Ave., Blue Island.  Cremation is private.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in the memory of Mary Ellen to the Shriners Hospitals for Children will be greatly appreciated.