Mary Augusta Unkraut

Mary Augusta (Bloemer) Unkraut, age 97, of Effingham, IL, passed away at the Villas of Holly Brook on October 28, 2026. She was the daughter of the late Joseph and Anna (Niebrugge) Bloemer, born on November 28, 1928, the youngest of 10 children.

On June 19, 1948, Gustie wed her wonderful husband, Leonard (Lenny) Unkraut, at St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church. They were happily married for 69 years and raised seven daughters on a farm north of Effingham.

For anyone who knew Gustie, she was a force to contend with—a quick-witted, incredibly intelligent person with an indomitable spirit, and an unbelievable memory. Her quest for learning continued throughout her life--graduating from 8th grade at the top of her class, pursuing her GED in her 50’s, taking college computer courses in her 70’s, and then in her 80’s, acquiring a smart phone so that she could see family photos and text with her daughters and grandchildren Not only did she excel in academics, but also in athletics. She was an outstanding pitcher, playing for both St. Anthony and Sigel teams. She was even offered a tryout for a professional women’s softball team.

Gustie liked to have fun. If she was not dancing in the kitchen with one of her girls, she might be playing a good game of pinochle or solo, serving up a delicious meal with her homemade pies to friends and family, or winning at Bingo at the Senior Center. Additionally, her faith was an important aspect of her life as demonstrated by her daily attendance at mass, volunteering for Meals on Wheels and greeting people at the Cross of Effingham.

Her survivors include Mary Lynn Byers of Effingham IL; Susan (Brian) Hartke of Dieterich, IL; Debra (Mark) Sherrick of Greenup, IL; Carlene (Tony) Weber of Effingham, IL; Barbara (Scott) Gidcomb of Colorado Springs, CO; Kay (Ted) Garcia of Queretaro, Mexico; and Jean (Fritz) Drasgow of Urbana, IL. Grandchildren include Cory (Tasha) Byers, Chelsey Byers, andCody Byers; Hayley (Zack) Pals, and Katelyn Hartke; Jordan (Amy) Sherrick, Ben (Amanda) Sherrick, and Jennie (Eric) Niemeyer; Brittney (Matt) Lash, Brandon (Allie) Weber,Brienne (Blake) Hilliard, and Brad Weber; Ian (Martha) Gidcomb; Jackie (Paul) Masuinas, Sam Drasgow, and Annika Drasgow, along with 23 great grandchildren.

Waiting to greet her in eternity are her dear husband Lenny, infant daughter Elizabeth, and her son-in-law Larry Byers; her parents; her siblings Minnie (Andrew) Kinkelaar; Arnold (Mildred) Bloemer; Agnes (Gus) Vonderheide; John (Josephine) Bloemer; Louie (Isabelle) Bloemer; Kate (Clem) Doedtman; Frances (Marie) Bloemer; Florence (Bernie) Probst; Gert (Raymond) Probst; and her in-laws Ben and Lena Unkraut; Ray (Adeline) Unkraut; Mary (Herman) Tegler; Benny Unkraut; Loretta (Jack) Koester; and Joe (Marlene) Unkraut.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 am on Saturday, November 7, 2026 at St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church in Effingham with burial in St. Anthony Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm on Friday at the Effingham Event Center. Memorial donations may be given to St. Anthony Schools or to the charity of the donor's choice. Arrangements are in the care of Bauer Funeral Home in Effingham.

Gustie’s family would like to thank her caregivers at Lakeland Rehabilitation Center, the staff at Villas of Holly Brook, and most importantly, the SBL Hospice staff, especially Lizzie Hemmen.