Mary Stoltz Obituary

Mary Stoltz

Mapleton, IL - Mary E. Stoltz, 78, of Mapleton, IL, passed away peacefully at 10:11 a.m. on Thursday, June 26, 2025, in the home she cherished, surrounded by family.

Mary was born on July 6, 1946, in Montague, MA, to Walter and Helen (Bakula) Pokladok. She married the love of her life, Peter F. Stoltz, on August 28, 1971, in a union that spanned over five decades of shared devotion and joy.

She was preceded in death by her parents and two brothers, Michael Pokladok of Niantic, CT and Phillip Pokladok of Vassalboro, ME.

Surviving are her devoted husband, Pete; six children, Susan (Robb) Mitchell of Centreville, VA, Thomas Stoltz of Mapleton, IL, Melissa (Will) Tibbs of Hanna City, IL, David Stoltz of Mapleton, IL, Elizabeth (Kurt) Thompson of Glasford, IL, and Capt. Sarah Stoltz, USAF Japan; ten beloved grandchildren; and one sister, Elizabeth (Denny) Granquist of Flagstaff, AZ.

A proud veteran of the United States Army, Mary served with honor in the Nurse Corps, embodying her lifelong commitment to caring for others. She served an extended tour in Vietnam with the 45th Surgical Hospital Tay Ninh, which is also where she met her husband. Following her military service, she dedicated her career to nursing retiring from Keystone Medical, where she touched countless lives with her compassion and skill.

Mary was a devoted member of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Pekin, where her fervent faith guided her involvement in numerous church activities. Her spirituality was the cornerstone of her life, and she shared her faith generously with her family and community.

Mary found joy in nurturing beauty, whether through her vibrant flower gardens, numerous crocheting projects, or the warm chaos of her home. She had an infectious laugh, the best recipes, never knew a stranger, and could throw together a feast for her family in the blink of an eye. Above all, it was this she treasured most, time spent with her family, who were her greatest pride and joy.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, July 3, 2025, at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Pekin, with Father Michael Andrejek officiating. A recitation of the Rosary will take place at 3:30 p.m. on Wednesday, July 2, 2025, at Henderson Funeral Home & Crematory in Pekin, followed by a visitation from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at the funeral home.

Interment will be at Kingston Mines Cemetery, where military honors will be provided by the United States Army and the Glasford American Legion.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the St. Vincent de Paul Society or St. Joseph Catholic Church in Mary's honor.