Mrs. Mary Lou Dredge, 93, of Galesburg, Illinois passed away at 5:55 am Thursday, October 17, 2019 at Knox County Nursing Home, Knoxville, Illinois.
She was born July 13, 1926 in Chicago, Illinois the daughter of George and Dorothy Tasker Olson. She married Robert Dredge on September 6, 1948 in Chicago. He preceded her in death on January 26, 2001.
Mary Lou is survived by her children, John E. (Mary) Dredge of Atlanta, Georgia and Diane (Steven) Anderson of Bellaire, Texas; her sister, Jeanne Darlington of South Hadley, Massachusetts; four grandchildren, Matt (Jamie) Dredge of Hong Kong, Rich (Marilyn) Dredge of St. Louis, Missouri, Kate Anderson and Charlie Anderson both of Houston, Texas and four great grandchildren, Max, Mia, Ian and Evan Dredge. Mary Lou was preceded in death by her parents and her husband.
Mary Lou graduated from Carl Schurz High School in Chicago in 1943 and Knox College in 1948. She taught school in District 205 for eight years. Mary Lou later worked alongside her husband and son at Dredge Insurance for many years. She was a member of the First Presbyterian Church and had been a 70 year member of the choir. Mary Lou was a member of the Sigma Alpha Iota Music Sorority, the Phi Mu Sorority, the CLIO Club and the PEO AN Chapter. Mary Lou was a Master Gardener and volunteered for the Community Garden. She also volunteered her time to FISH Food Pantry and at Galesburg Cottage Hospital. Mary Lou was a longtime member of Soangetaha Country Club. She enjoyed golf and was a voracious reader.
ML was a wonderful mother, grandmother, sister and good friend to many. She loved her music, gardens and pets. You always knew where you stood with ML.
A Memorial Service is scheduled for 2:00 pm Friday, October 25, 2019 at the First Presbyterian Church with Deacon Michael Crummer officiating. Visitation will be from 1:00-2:00 pm Friday at the church. A reception for family and friends will follow services. Cremation will be accorded. Memorials may be made to the First Presbyterian Church or to the Soangetaha Country Club Tree Fund. Hinchliff-Pearson-West Funeral Directors and Cremation Services are assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be made at www.h-p-w.com
