Mary Ellen Althoff, 83, of Effingham passed away on Friday, October 16, 2026 at Willow Breeze in Mattoon, Illinois.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 AM on Monday, October 26, 2026 at St. Mary’s Help of Christian Church in Green Creek. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. Visitation will be held from 9:00 to 11:00 AM on Monday, October 26, 2026 at St Mary’s Help of Christian Church Parrish Hall. Memorials may be made to American Cancer Society or Sarah Bush Lincoln Hospice.
Mary Ellen was born on September 30, 1943, the daughter of Herman and Della Kremer. She married Richard Althoff on September 15, 1962. They celebrated their 64th wedding anniversary this year.
Mary Ellen enjoyed bowling for over 40 years with many of the same girls. Quilting was another passion of hers where she made many beautiful ones. She and her husband enjoyed traveling and doing bus tours to many locations across the US. One of her greatest passions was spending time with her family. She truly enjoyed her time with her two great-grandsons, Weston and Tate as they brought many smiles and joy to her life. She also enjoyed word search puzzles.
A few months prior to her passing, Sarah Bush Hospice helped with a Make-A-Wish to take her bowling for one last time. She was able to get out and throw that ball a few last times, making it a dream come true for her. Her family, friends and bowling team all came out to cheer her on. Her grandson Weston even threw some balls with her, which was a highlight of her day.
Mary Ellen is survived by her husband Richard of Effingham, son Terry (Janice) Althoff of Neoga, Tony (fiancé Sonja) Althoff of Watson, Tammy (Ron) Phillips of Neoga; grandchildren, Ryan (Kendra) Kohnert of Effingham, Emma (Levi) Whitford of Neoga, Andrew Althoff of Hewitt, TX, Ben Althoff of Neoga, Angel (Shelbi) Romero and family of
Bethany, Luis (Emilee) Althoff and family, great-grandchildren, Tate Kohnert and Weston Whitford; sisters, Pat Sheehan of Mattoon, Alice Zumbahlen of Dieterich; brother, Dan (Karen) Kremer of Teutopolis; sisters-in-law, Rosie Kremer of Teutopolis, Louise Kremer of Foley, AL, Barb Kremer of Teutopolis, and Carla Kremer of Newton; brothers-in-law, Graham Buhler of Dieterich and Robert (Bob) Althoff of Effingham, and many nieces and nephews.
Preceding her in death, her parents, Herman and Della Kremer, in-laws, Frank and Margaret Althoff; daughter-in-law, Lois Althoff; brothers, Harold Kremer, Larry Kremer, Robert Kremer, and Mike Kremer; sisters, Barb Sheehan, Donna Buhler; brothers-in-law, Paul (Barb) Sheehan and Tony Sheehan; sister-in-law Geraldine Althoff; nieces, Amy Zumbahlen and Diane Brockett and many aunts and uncles.
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