Marie (Mary Margaret) Niemerg, 88 of Effingham, passed away peacefully on Saturday, January 30, 2021 at her home surrounded by her loving family.

Due to Covid-19 restrictions, a private family visitation will be held. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, February 2, 2021 at St. Anthony Church in Effingham, officiated by Father Mark Tracy. Burial will be held in St. Anthony Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Albert & Marie Niemerg Family Memorial Scholarship Fund for Catholic Schools administered by St. Anthony Church, Effingham IL.  Albert and Marie Niemerg believed in the value of a Catholic education for their children even in times of financial struggle.  This scholarship fund is meant to assist those families in financial need who desire a Catholic education for their children.

Marie Niemerg was born in Cumberland County at her family home, the daughter of Leander and Mary (Meyer) Tays. She married Albert Niemerg at the St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church in Montrose, IL.  They were married for fifty-five years and blessed with six children - Joyce Budde, deceased (husband, Terry) of Effingham, Nancy Deters, (husband, Dan) of Sigel, Carl Niemerg, Joan Buzzard (husband, Tom), Janice Niemerg and Gary Niemerg all of Effingham.  Marie was a "professional working mom" long before it was ever fashionable.  For forty years she worked beside her husband in the restaurant business; first in Columbia, MO., next in Oklahoma City, OK. and finally as part owner of Trailway's Restaurant in Effingham. Over the years, restaurant patrons became friends and their loyal employees became family.

No matter how busy, she still managed to get her six children to their endless ballgames, extra-curricular activities and countless school events.  A devout Catholic, she instilled in her children the values necessary to become honest, loving and responsible adults.  She was also known for her "ornery" sense of humor and her endless strength.  It was her inner strength, her wonderful sense of humor and her devotion to her family that endeared her to six children, thirteen grandchildren and twenty-one great-grandchildren. After retiring, she enjoyed volunteering, playing pinochle and traveling with family members and her many friends. Marie was a member of the Catholic Daughters of the Americas, the Effingham Elks Lodge #1016 and the Council of Catholic Women.

She is also survived by a sister, Geraldine Overbeck (Lawrence, deceased) of Effingham and brother, Harold Tays (wife, Lettie) of Mattoon.