Gloria Ann Wilger Obituary
Gloria Ann Wilger (nee Reising), age 95, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, December 25, 2024 in Naperville, IL. She was born on June 23, 1929, in Aurora, IL to the late Leo & Rose Reising (nee Splaneman).
Gloria was a loving wife of 57 years until the passing of her husband Bernie.
Gloria is survived by her seven children; Joyce (Ken) Scherzer, Mike (Debbie), Jean (Jon) Rebholz, Yvonne (Geoff) Babb, William (Jill), Loretta (Tony) Capone, and Jeffery (Jaye), her grandchildren; Miriah, Tara, Lauren, John, Rachel, Katya, Karl, Emory, and Cory, her great grandchildren; Gwendolyn, Benjamin, Johnathan, Megan, Everly, Harper, Arwin and Aaron.
Gloria is preceded in death by her parents and siblings; Bill Reising, Rose Marie Reising and Tom Reising.
Gloria was born and raised in Aurora, IL and graduated from Madonna High School class of 1948 and was employed by the Chicago Motor Club. Three years after marrying Bernie Wilger in 1952, the couple purchased a twenty-acre farm in Warrenville, IL from Bernie's parents, Frank, and Helen Wilger. Although Gloria had no experience with rural life, she quickly learned how to help her husband manage the farm while raising seven children. A tireless cook, she is fondly remembered for her skill in baking, and her apple pies became a family favorite.
She was also an active 4-H mother, helping her children prepare for the DuPage County Fair, the highlight of their year.
After selling the farm, the couple moved to downtown Warrenville where Gloria became everyone's favorite neighbor. She even became "Grandma Gloria" to many neighborhood children, adding them to the seven of her own. She was a great listener and cared about everyone she met.
Several years after the death of her husband, she eventually moved in with her daughter Loretta and son-in-law Tony in Naperville for the remainder of her life. Always a people person, she quickly became friends with her new neighbors, whose children loved coming by to visit.
She loved to read the Daily Herald newspaper, was devoted to listening to her favorite radio-station WGN, watching Hallmark movies, and keeping in touch with all her friends and extended family.
During her final illness, her friends and family near and far came to visit Gloria, joining in one great LIVING WAKE to celebrate her life and her importance as mother to her large and loving family. To all her children, "SHE WAS THE BEST MOM EVER," to be remembered for her infectious smile, outgoing personality, and hugs. Gloria will be greatly missed!In lieu of flowers, for those who would like to leave a lasting tribute in Gloria's memory donations may be made to: Little Friends at 27555 Diehl Rd, Warrenville, IL 60555. https://www.littlefriendsinc.org visitation will be held on Friday, January 3rd, 2025, from 3:00 to 7:00 PM at the Friedrich-Jones Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 44 S. Mill Street, Naperville. Additional visitation will be held on Saturday, January 4th, 2025, from 9:00 to 10:00 AM at St. Irene Catholic Church, 28w441 Warrenville Rd, Warrenville, IL followed by a 10:00 AM Mass of Christian Burial. Committal services will follow at Assumption Cemetery in Wheaton, IL.
