Mary E. Issler Obituary - Visitation & Funeral Information

Mary Ellen Issler was born on the family farm in Pilger, Nebraska on December 21, 1921, the first child of Irene (Schwertfeger) Tinning and Dewey Tinning. She passed away at her home in Geneva, Nebraska on Saturday, February 16, 2013. When Mary was three years old, her sister Elizabeth was born. Mary and Betty grew up on the family farm and were schooled in Pilger. Upon graduation from Pilger High school, Mary moved to Norfolk to live with her grandmother while working at a local department store. In October of 1943, she married Marvin Schellpeper after his return from the war in Europe. They moved to Las Vegas where Marvin continued his career in the Army Air Corp as a flight trainer. It was there that their first child, Susan, was born. In 1945, when the war ended, they returned to Nebraska and made their home in Lincoln, Nebraska where Marvin was employed by the Gas Company. In 1947, their son John was born. Throughout the 1950’s, Mary was very active in her children’s activities including Cub Scouts and Girl Scouts. She served as the president of PTA groups in their elementary and junior high schools. She also served as president of the PTA for the City of Lincoln, as well as chairman of the Mother’s March On Polio and March of Dimes. In 1960, Mary began full time work for the Telephone Company. Her children grew up and married and began families of their own, eventually presenting her and Marvin with 5 grand daughters and 1 grandson. That family has now grown to include 8 great granddaughters and 3 great grandsons. Marvin passed away in 1976 and Mary continued her work at the Telephone Company and her many civic and volunteer activities. In the early 1980’s, she was blessed to meet the brother of one of her dearest friends, and in 1985 she became Mrs. Louis Issler and moved to Geneva, a town she came to love as ‘home’. That union gave her 2 more sons to welcome into her heart, Randy and wife Jean Issler and Rick and wife June Issler. Unfortunately, her time with Lou was all too short, but Mary remained in Geneva with the many friends she loved dearly. Mary had a warm generous heart, never forgetting a birthday and always the first to send a card or note to thank someone or share a little note of interest. Mary loved social gathering, especially playing bridge with her many friends and watching Nebraska football games. While living in Lincoln, Mary belonged to the Grace Lutheran Church and in Geneva she was a member of the Prince of Peace Lutheran Church. Mary could also be fiercely independent, wanting to do everything herself. This last year became increasingly difficult for her, and Mary’s life ended just as she wanted, in her home preparing for a visit from her buddy, Rick. Throughout Mary’s life, her great faith sustained her through many trials and griefs, and we know that faith was rewarded in those final moments. Mary was preceded in death by her parents; her sister Elizabeth Tinning of Norfolk in 1998; her first husband Marvin Schellpeper originally from Stanton, Nebraska in 1976; and her second husband Louis Issler of Geneva, Nebraska in 1993. She is survived by her daughter and son-in-law Susan and Jim Bombard of Worcester, Massachusetts; son John Schellpeper of Lincoln, Nebraska; stepsons Randall Issler and wife Jean of Holdrege, Nebraska and Rick Issler and wife June of Lincoln, Nebraska along with Mary’s buddy Jack; and 6 grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren. Funeral services for Mary were held on Friday, February 22, 2013 at 10:00 a.m. at the Prince Of Peace Lutheran Church in Geneva. Pastor James Sells officiated the services. Shaunna O’Brien played the prelude and postlude music for the service. The recorded selections “Amazing Grace,” “How Great Thou Art”, “The Old Rugged Cross,” and “The Holy City were also played during the service. Pallbearers for the service included Jeff Whitley, Garrett Whitley, Keith O’Bryan, Brad Lauber, Brian Lauber, and Bob Webb. Interment was held in the Pilger Cemetery, Pilger, Nebraska. Farmer & Son Funeral Home of Geneva was in charge of the arrangements. Memorials are directed to the donor’s choice.

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Mary E. Issler

December 21, 1921 - February 16, 2013