Margit Machalek

Margit Ella Machalek Surrounded by her loved ones, Margit Ella Machalek entered the gates of heaven at 9:12 am on Monday, January 9, 2012 after a long illness. Margit was born on August 16, 1931 in Josefsthal, Germany, in the region once known as Sudetenland on the border of then Czechoslovakia. She was the only child born to Franz and Maria (Pilz) Siebeneichler. During her childhood, she and her parents were part of the 3.2 million refugees who had to leave their homeland by the Russians back in the 1930's. She endured many difficult situations during her lifetime, but rose above them all and remained a strong and positive woman. She met Joseph J. Machalek while he was in the military service, and they married September 24, 1954 in Gerlachscheim, Germany. She came to the United States on December 9, 1954 and initially settled in New York City, NY. In 1959, they moved to Decatur, IL. Together they had three children: Joseph E. Machalek, Marianne A. Machalek and Melissa L. (Machalek) Hart. Margit was very active in her community and had a true passion for keeping the German culture alive. In 1961, she was one of the founding members of the Decatur German-American National Congress (D.A.N.K). For years for both she and her husband Joe, along with their children enjoyed many wonderful polka dances and creating so many joyous memories with great friends. She served as the Decatur D.A.N.K. Club president for many years and was instrumental in keeping that club alive for its 50 years duration. Margit was also an active member of the Decatur International Club and also served as their past president. She loved being part of organizations where she could meet new friends and celebrate our heritage. In her earlier years, she was also active in the Garden Club that reinforced and further expressed her love of plants and flowers. She will always be remembered as a loving mother, grandmother, and great grandmotherand close friend to many. She enjoyed being a homemaker and her delicious cooking will indeed be missed. In her earlier years she owned and operated the Crystal Room in the old Hotel Orlando. Later, she also worked as a fashion consultant at El Dora's Fashion store in Decatur. Margit lived her life to its fullest potential. She had a strong faith in our Lord Jesus Christ, and she was one of the most caring and giving souls we have ever known. She never met a stranger and was always there to listen and to lend a helping hand. She loved all animals and fed every bird that flew her way, and every cat that walked the neighborhood. She will be remembered for her gentle and caring spirit and for her ability to always stay positive and optimistic. She is at peace now, resting safely in God's loving hands. In heaven she was greeted and welcomed home by her son, Joseph E. Machalek, her husband, Joseph J. Machalek and her parents Franz and Maria Siebeneichler, all who preceded her in death, as well as many other close relatives and dear friends. The surviving immediate family members grieving her loss include her daughter, Marianne A. Machalek & fiancé Victor Farrell of Decatur; daughter, Melissa L. (Machalek) & husband Thomas M. Hart of Chandler, Arizona; four grandchildren: Sarah K. Machalek, Derek A. Machalek, Alexander T. Hart and Austin M. Hart, and one great-grandchild, Claire A. Scribner. Other surviving relatives include members of The Machalek Family in New York and a cousin and very close friends in Germany. Visitation services will be held at Brintlinger & Earl Funeral Home Thursday, January 12, 2012 from 6:00 - 8:00 pm. Funeral services will be held at 10:00 am on Friday, January 13, 2012 at Brintlinger & Earl Funeral Home with the Reverend Gaylord Spilker officiating. Margit will be laid to rest at Macon County Memorial Park near Harristown, IL. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in her name to the Decatur Macon County Animal Shelter Foundation, P.O. Box 633, Decatur, IL 62525-0633. "
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