Mary J Heidenreich

Mary was the oldest daughter of Raymond and Lucille Grossel. She was born in Stangelville, Wisconsin, on June 7, 1933, on a kitchen table at the town restaurant. Her family later moved to Eagle River, Wisconsin, where her parents bought five acres and built a restaurant called The Czecho Supper Club.

During World War II, the family moved to Manitowoc, Wisconsin, to run a bar and grill across from the shipyards. Due to the war, it was difficult to get supplies into the country, so the family moved to the harbor town. After the war, they returned to The Czecho Supper Club in Eagle River, where it became a thriving hot spot. Mary was the oldest of three children, along with her younger brother, Roger, and sister, RoseMarie.

Mary was raised in the restaurant business and attended Catholic schools. She graduated from St. Joseph’s Academy, where she studied music. She attended Rosary College in River Forest, Illinois, for two years before attending Michigan State University, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in Food Service and Restaurant Management. Her first job was in Minneapolis, Minnesota, at Richards Treat Cafeteria and Food Shop.

In 1952, Mary and her parents moved to Crystal Lake to open The Czecho Lodge. Mary ran the restaurant alongside her parents until they sold it in the early 1970s.

Mary married Vaughn Heidenreich in 1979, and they lived in Crystal Lake and Woodstock. They were blessed with a beautiful love story that lasted many years before Vaughn passed away in 2022.

Mary and Vaughn had seven children: Marybeth (Dan) Meloni, Joseph (Terese) Adams, Judith (Karl) Shuh, Karen (Ray) Shook, Candy (Marc) Kresmery, Curt (Lisa) Heidenreich, and Dawn Heidenreich. There are also many loved grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Mary was very active in the choir at St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church in Crystal Lake. She loved knitting and took great pride in her flower gardens. She enjoyed hosting gatherings with family and friends at her home.

Mary and Vaughn loved traveling and were fortunate to travel to Rome twice to sing for the Pope. They learned to ballroom dance, held Dancing With the Stars parties, and traveled the world on cruises, where they could dance aboard the ship.

Mary was an avid Green Bay Packers and Chicago Cubs fan. She loved dressing up and wearing sparkly jewelry, earning her the nickname “Blingy Grandma” from her grandchildren.

To honor Mary’s spirit, the family invites you to wear your cheerful party clothes as we celebrate a woman who lived with strength, great love, and a zeal for life.

Mass will be held on Friday, October 16, at 10am at St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church, 451 W. Terra Cotta Ave., Crystal Lake. Please join the family for a luncheon following the mass.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Mary’s name to JourneyCare Hospice.