Mabel Velge, age 96, and well known as "the Grande Dame" of the Cornbelt Running Club passed away peacefully June 16, 2023 after a long and joyful life.  A Celebration of Life service will be 2pm Friday, June 30 at Wheelan-Pressly Funeral Home, Rock Island, IL.  Burial at Calvary Cemetery, Rock Island.  Memorials in memory of Mabel may be made to the Rock Island-Milan Education Foundation for a running scholarship in her name.

Mabel was born March 10, 1927 in Colusa, IL the youngest of 10 children born to Thomas and Effie (Carnes) Scanlan. She married Fran Velge on December 22, 1951.  He passed away November 19, 1988.  Together they had one son, Steve, who died February 20, 2018.

Mabel graduated from Colusa High School, then moved to Rock Island, IL where she had a long and exceptional career (for 34 years) in the Accounting Department of the Rock Island Arsenal.

Mabel began running at age 55 along with co-workers on Arsenal Island.  She joined the Cornbelt Running Club (CBRC) shortly thereafter and served on its board from 1985 to 1992.  She won numerous running races in her age division and ran 20 marathons in different states including one in Honolulu, Hawaii, Anchorage, Alaska and Boston.  Mabel was an inspiration to her family and friends, and had friends of all ages.

Besides running Mabel enjoyed walking, swimming and boating on the Mississippi River with Fran and Steve for many years. She loved working in her yard amongst her flowers and pink flamingos. She loved relaxing with a gin and tonic and celebrating with friends. Mabel loved a Party!!!

Survivors include many nieces and nephews along with numerous close friends she considered "family."  A friend to all, Mabel was warm, kind and Always funny!!!

To sign the online guestbook, visit www.wheelanpressly.com