Gerald D. Wenzel

Gerald Dean "Jerry" Wenzel, age 86 of Highland, IL, died Wednesday, April 23, 2014, at his residence in Highland, IL. He was born July 02, 1927, in Brunswick, MO, the son of Percy George and Clara Rose (nee Elson) Wenzel. On February 20, 1994, he married Maria Luise "Marlies" Wind who survives in Highland, IL. He was a member of Evangelical United Church of Christ. He was also a member of City Treasurer of Highland (12 years); Optimist Club (President in 1967)-Highland; Ainad Temple, A.A.O.N.O.M.S (Shriners)-East St. Louis, IL; Scottish Rite Bodies, Valley of Southern Illinois-Belleville; MaCliBo Circus Unit-Past President; Silver Lake Shrine Club-Highland; Masonic Lodge #583, A.F. & A.M.-Highland; Helvetia Sharpshooters Society-Highland; Highland Historical Society; VFW Post #5694-Highland; Lee Iten Post 439-American Legion-Highland; Highland Sportsman's Club.. Mr. Wenzel grew up in Brunswick, Missouri. He graduated from Keytesville, Missouri High School in 1945. In that same year, he joined the US Navy, where he served on the Samuel Chase APA25, a troop transport ship in the Pacific until 1948. He lived in St. Louis, MO and Collinsville, IL, and worked for Boatmen's National Bank in St. Louis from 1948-1950. In 1950, he moved to Highland and a year later was called back to the Navy, serving one year on the USS Arcadia during the Korean War. He worked for The First National Bank in Highland and retired after 40 years of service in 1990 as an Executive VP and Senior Loan Officer. During his banking career, he had attended Washington University and the American Institute of Banking. He loved to travel and visited all 50 states and Europe, Mexico, Canada, and Australia. He enjoyed camping, co-owning the Indian Grove Campground in Coffeen, IL and he and his wife would winter in Arizona and Texas. He led a very active life, coaching Khoury League baseball and Weinheimer basketball for years, bowled, card playing with friends, and was an award winning ballroom and squaredancer. He was also a collector of antique cars, clocks, and Ford memorabilia. Most importantly, he loved his family and always kept them number one in his life. Survivors include; Wife - Maria L. "Marlies" Bruens Wenzel, nee Wind, Highland, IL Daughter - Kathleen L. (John) Peffley, Greenville, IL Daughter - Pamela S. (Sig. Other: Larry O'Dell) Pelot, Edwardsville, IL Son - Thomas D. (Robbie) Wenzel, Northville, MI Daughter - Janet M. (Bob) Bellm, Florissant, MO Daughter - Terri L. (Denis) Munie, Pocahontas, IL Step Daughter - Diane M. (Charles) Gettle, Fairgrove, MO Grandchild - Michael P. Gray, Jr., Norfolk, VA Grandchild - Jody R. Gray, St. Louis, MO Grandchild - Jennifer A. (John) Mitchell, St. Jacob, IL Grandchild - Derek Wenzel, Livonia, MI Grandchild - Hannah (John) Krieger, Arvada, CO Grandchild - Gwen (Ken) Garthe, St. Charles, MO Grandchild - Amy Bellm, St. Louis, MO Grandchild - J. Bellm, St. Louis, MO Grandchild - Christina (Ryan) Hopkins, Chester, IL Grandchild - Barbara (Fiance Judson "Jud" Corby) Munie, Piasa, IL Grandchild - Gerald D. Munie, Pocahontas, IL Step Grandchild - Ryan (Debby) Gettle, Fairgrove, MO Step Grandchild - Brandon (Tia) Gettle, Springfield, MO Great Grandchildren - 13 Sister - Clarene (Hollie) Seger Willmann, Greenville, IL He was preceded in death by : Father - Percy George Wenzel Mother - Clara Rose Wenzel, nee Elson First Wife - Marilyn A. Wenzel, nee Seifried (married 1/15/1949; died 4/25/1993) Brother - Clarence Wenzel Sister In-law - Mary Wenzel Arrangements are being handled by Spengel-Boulanger Funeral Home in Highland, Illinois. Visitation will be held from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM on Sunday, April 27, 2014, at Spengel-Boulanger Funeral Home in Highland, IL, and from 9:00 AM to 10:00 AM, on Monday, April 28, 2014, at Evangelical United Church of Christ in Highland, IL. Funeral service will be at 10:00 AM on Monday, April 28, 2014, at Evangelical United Church of Christ in Highland, IL, with Rev. Christopher W. Hill officiating. Interment will be at Highland City Cemetery in Highland, IL. Memorial contributions may be made to Shriners Hospital for Children; Heartland Hospice; or Charity of the Donor's Choice.

Gerald D. Wenzel

July 2, 1927 - April 23, 2014