Mardelle Kathryn Goller, 94, of Rochester, passed away at 2:50 a.m. Wednesday, July 15, 2015, at Blair Ridge Health Campus, Peru due to complications of pneumonia.

On Feb. 19, 1921, in Danforth, Ill., Mardelle Kathryn Krueger was born, a cherished daughter of George and Esther Heideman Krueger. As one of seven children she shared her childhood with a sister and five brothers. She was the last living daughter from that union.

Always looking after her family, Mardelle took care of her sister and brothers while working on the family farm in Danforth. On Feb. 23, 1947, she married Earl George Goller, the love of her life and best friend. They settled in Watseka to raise their family. From their union came a two wonderful children, Debbie and David. Together they shared over 35 years of life’s adventures. Their family’s love of fishing and boating brought them to Lake Manitou, buying property in 1968 and moving to Rochester in 1971.

In 1986, Mardelle retired from Torin. Many friends will remember her from the Sportsman Landing on Lake Manitou. She loved the Lord and was a devoted member of St. John’s Lutheran Church of Rochester for more than four decades, helping out with the church cleaning details until her early 80’s. Other memberships include the United Auto Workers Union #947 and she was a 25 year member of the VFW Auxiliary of Watseka, Ill.

Talented with her hands, Mardelle crocheted many gifts of warmth for her family and special friends. A gifted storyteller, she could recall details and stories of yesteryear and days gone by, embracing her listeners, allowing them to garner a new appreciation for the past. A kind and friendly soul, she was loved by everyone, always telling her caregivers thank-you. With her health declining she moved into nursing care in March this year.

As the matriarch of the Goller family, “G.G.” was proud to oversee four generations. She loved her children and cherished the grandchildren and greats very much. From their home on Wolf Point Drive, G.G. hosted the holiday gatherings, Sunday dinners and special family celebrations. She was quite at home at her kitchen command post, preparing some of the family’s favorites: meat loaf, banana cream pie, chocolate chip cookies and apple crusted coffee cake. Jello salads were also among her forte’ of favorites. They day was complete follow a pontoon ride, cruising over the sparkling waters.

Left to cherish Mardelle’s memory are a daughter: Deborah (Bill) Sheets, Rochester; a son: David (Joy) Goller, Macy; five grandchildren: Brian (Jenny) Sheets, Rochester; Kristy (Jason) Fields, Rushville; Matthew (fiancé Ashley Spangler) Sheets, Peru; Adam and Eric Goller, Macy; six great-grandchildren: Bryce and Jasmine Creamer; Taylor and Ava Fields; Emma and Elise Sheets; sister-in-law: Dorothy Krueger, Gilman, Ill.; and several nieces and nephews. Preceding Mardelle in death are her parents; husband: Earl, on May 7, 1982; a sister: Mildred Edwards; and five brothers: Everett; Willard; Robert; and Ronald; and a brother in infancy.

Visitation will be from noon until 3 p.m. Friday, July 17, at Good Family Funeral Home, Rochester. The service will be immediately after at 3 p.m. also at the funeral home. Pastor Herbert Gerken will officiate services. She will be laid to eternal rest next to her beloved husband Earl in the Rochester IOOF Cemetery.