Elaine Wenzel

Elaine M. Wenzel, nee Papageorge, 80, of Waukegan, Illinois went into the arms of her Heavenly Father on May 4, 2014. She was born on March 23, 1934 in Lake County, Illinois where she remained a lifelong resident. Her Catholic upbringing began at Holy Family Church in North Chicago, where she received the Lord and later married her husband of 58 years, Joseph. Eventually she became a member of St. Anastasia Church in Waukegan, where she nurtured the Christian faith of her nine children. Elaine will be best remembered as a loving Wife, Mother, Grandmother, Great Grandmother and Friend. A woman who touched the lives of everyone she met and opened her heart to anyone in need. She is survived by her husband of 58 years, Joseph; children Christopher Wenzel of Waukegan, IL, Mary (Craig) Bloemker of Libertyville, IL, Kevin Wenzel of Winthrop Harbor, IL, Karen Saveraid of Waukegan, IL, Joseph Wenzel of Winthrop Harbor, IL, Jean Wenzel of Winthrop Harbor, IL, Loretta (Howard) Jones of Beach Park, IL, Susan Wenzel of Waukegan, IL and Lisa (Tom) Hackl of West Dundee, IL; fifteen grandchildren Kristina, Katie Justin, Joshua, Kyle, Kelly, Matthew, Jacob, Angela, Brandy, Alexander, Ryan, Sarah, Joe and Rachel; great grandchild, Eliana; one brother Michael (Anna) Papageorge of Green Oaks, IL and countless nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents Menelaos and Eveline Papageorge; and one brother George (and the late Carol) Papageorge. Visitation will be Thursday, May 8, 2014 from 5:00 until 8:00p.m. at the CONGDON FUNERAL HOME, 3012 Sheridan Road, Zion, IL. Mass of Christian Burial will be Friday, May 9, 2014 at 10:30 a.m. at St. Anastasia Catholic Church, 624 Douglas Avenue, Waukegan, IL. Interment will follow at Ascension Cemetery, Libertyville, IL. Memorial donations to the Juvenile Diabetes Foundation in her memory have been suggested.