Marianne K. Landmesser, nee Kelpsas, age 91, passed away peacefully at home on November 28, 2022.  Devoted and beloved wife of the late Edward F. Landmesser Jr. for 65 years.  Proud and cherished mother of Ed (Cathy) Landmesser III, Maribeth (Dale) Bennish, Patti (Scott) Jennings, Michael (Liz) Landmesser, and Amy (Michael) Moore.  Loving and adored grandmother of Anthony (Amy) Lauth Jr., Anya (Russ) Jameson, Lauren, Jae, Kaitlin, the late Kristen, and Noah Jennings, Ben Landmesser, Maddi (Alex) Salas, Bea, Mallory, and Emma Moore; great-grandmother of River and Preston Jameson, Anthony III and Atlas Lauth, and Alexander and William Salas.  Treasured aunt of many nieces and nephews.

Born in Cicero, IL on January 5, 1931, to the late Marcella, nee Shimkus, and Stanley Kelpsas, Marianne was the fond sister of Fr. Anthony Kelpsas MIC, Agatha (the late Virgil) Lickteig, the late Sophie (Edward Sr.) Landmesser, and the late Fr. Frank Kelpsas.

Marianne began her career at the Federal Reserve Bank in Chicago, and it was there that she met the love of her life, Ed.  Raising 5 children, she was a very dedicated, loving stay-at-home mom, while also providing home daycare for other children.  Marianne was creatively talented when it came to bake sales, costumes, and crafts, and was always involved in her children's extracurricular activities.  An avid reader, she instilled in her children a love of reading and books.  After her children were grown, Marianne went back to work first at Venture, and then at S&H Green Stamps.  At S&H, she met her life-long friends, who were also known as the "Burger King Girls."  They continued to meet every week, at Burger King, even after they retired.

Marianne was a woman of faith, and it encompassed every aspect of her life and how she raised her children:  to believe and trust in God, and to pray about everything.  A parishioner of St. Domitilla's for 47 years, Marianne was active as a Eucharistic Minister, a volunteer at the St. Vincent DePaul Food Pantry, and a member of both the Secular Servites of Mary and CHRP.

Friendly to all, Marianne was always ready to help.  She was very generous and never arrived anywhere empty-handed.

Affectionately called Gramie and GG, her grandchildren always looked forward to what she brought in her "magic bag" during each visit.  Her main hobby was keeping in touch with family and friends.  She loved making & receiving phone calls, and sending & receiving greeting cards.  Marianne and Ed loved to travel after they retired and had some really great times with friends and family.  She truly enjoyed her long and wonderful life.

Everyone will always remember Marianne's big, beautiful smile that lit up the entire room.  Through all that she endured these past few years, she always said, "I feel fine!" and remained a strong Lithuanian woman until the very end.  The greatest lessons she taught her children were:  God doesn't give you more than you can handle, and tough times make you stronger, so never give up.  Marianne will be deeply missed by all who were fortunate to know her.

Over the past 2 years, the family has been blessed with many special caregivers who have provided so much compassion, kindness, wisdom, and friendship to not only Marianne, but also to the entire family.  You know who you are.  Marianne loved each of you, and the family will be forever grateful.

In remembrance of Marianne, please greet everyone with a smile today.

As she always said, "Angels go with you!"

A Memorial Mass to celebrate the lives of both Marianne and Edward, (who passed on 11-17-2021), will be on Saturday, December 17, 2022 at St. Domitilla Church in Hillside, IL.

Visitation will begin at 10:00 am, followed by the Mass at 11:00 am.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Alzheimer's Association ( alz.org ) or St. Domitilla Church.