Mary Lou Martinovic

     Mary Lou Martinovic, 81, of Sparta, died Wednesday, April 18, 2018 at Mayo Clinic Health System, Sparta, after a 17 year battle with cancer. She was born on December 13, 1936 in Taylorville, IL to Maynard and Ollie Belle (Fritts) Bridwell.

     Mary Lou married Jerry Martinovic in 1969 in Joliet, IL. He passed away June 5, 2000 in New Lenox, IL. Mary Lou was a retired teacher of New Lenox. She moved to Sparta to live with her sister in 2010.

     Mary Lou is survived by her sister, Lois Jean Bridwell of Sparta; cousin, C.D. Hood of Charlotte, NC; and adopted grandson, Matthew Frost.

     She was preceded in death by her parents and her husband, Jerry.

     The family wishes to extend a heartfelt thank you to the Mayo Clinic La Crosse Hospice team for the care and compassion given to Mary Lou.

     A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. on Sunday, April 29th at the First Congregational Church of Leon, with Reverend Don Ehler officiating. Burial will be at a later time in Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery, Elwood, IL. 

     The Lanham-Schanhofer Funeral Home, Sparta, is assisting the family with arrangements. 

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