Mary Louise Neumeier

Mary Louise Neumeier, 91, died after an extended illness at her Silver Street home with her children encircling her at 11:00 am on August 10th, 2013. Mary's wish to remain in her home was made possible through the care of her loving sons Dick and Matt. She was eager to re-join Elmer(died May 14, 2012) with whom she raised 19 children to adulthood. An infant daughter Victoria preceded the couple to heaven on August 14, 1964. Their daughter Rebecca Mosler who died September 6, 2012, was also there to welcome her mother home. Mary Louise, fondly called Wesie by her friends and husband Elmer, was born June 2, 1922, to George and Louise (Kohler) Gehrlich. She was a lifelong resident of Wapakoneta who married her soulmate Elmer on January 10, 1944. Mary, who never ventured far from her hometown, was proud of her tea cup and post card collections which reflected the travels of her family. In one of Mary's last conversations, she expressed her love for her grandchildren (132 with 4 on the way) and her prayer that they would all grow up in the faith that she and Elmer treasured. Mary's work ethic served her well in the various jobs she held in early years: caring for an elderly neighbor, cleaning houses, and bookkeeping at Bowsher's Hardware. Once the youngest reached school age, Mary extended her love to 38 additonal children over the next 20 years as their childcare provider. Wesie was noted for her volunteer work in scouting, DAV auxiliary, and her neighborhood. She spent many dedicated hours at St. Joseph Catholic Church, the only church home during her entire life. She participated in the Christian Mothers, Resurrection choir, and the Church prayer line. Although Mary spent most of her time dedicated to the duties of a wife and mother, she loved camping, fishing, playing cards, crocheting, the Reds, and up to her final days, playing Text Twist and Words with Friends. Mary Louise is survived by her children Janice Daum, James (Elena), Barbara Maloney, Bonita (Michael Flood), Teresa (Michael) Elsass, Richard, Alice Altstaetter, Nancy (Edward) Gutman, Joseph (Kathy), Mary Kay (Daniel) Drexler, Philip, Frederick (Robin), Angela (Robert) Butler, Michael, Samuel (Mary), Matthew, Mark (Christina), Amy (Stuart) Meyers; Son-in-law Tom Mosler and Sisters-in-law Frances Gehrlich and Ruth Gehrlich. Mary always remembered in her daily prayers and rosary those in her family who had died: great-great grandson Jayden, and three sons-in-law Emerson Altstaetter, Tom Maloney, and Bob Daum. Mass of Christian Burial will begin at 10:30 am Wednesday, August 14th, at St. Joseph Catholic Church's Parish Life Center in Wapakoneta. The Reverends William O'Donnell, Patrick Sloneker, and Daniel Hunt will con-celebrate. Burial will follow in the St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery. Friends may call from 2:00 to 8:00 pm on Tuesday, August 13th and Wednesday from 9:00 to 10:00 at the Long & Folk Chapel of Bayliff & Eley Funeral Home, 13 S. Blackhoof St.(Please use street address), Wapakoneta. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Joseph Catholic Church.

Mary Louise Neumeier

June 2, 1922 - August 10, 2013