Joseph F. Wenzel

Joseph F. Wenzel, 88, of Waukegan, IL was peacefully called home to his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Sunday, November 29, 2015. Joseph was born December 19, 1926 to Henry and Mary (Glass) Wenzel of Warsaw, IL, where he alongside his 5 older siblings, were raised. Losing his mother at a young age, he depended on his father and siblings, who nurtured and strengthened his strong love and faith in God, which followed him throughout his life. It was when he joined the United States Marines during World War II and was stationed at Great Lakes, that he made the decision to call Lake County, IL his home. Luckily for his nine children, this is where he met and married the love of his life, Elaine. As a member of St. Anastasia Catholic Church, together they raised their family with the same love and devotion to God in which they were raised. Joseph will be best remembered as a loving husband, father, grand-father, great-grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend to many. He never forgot where he came from. He never forgot how much his entire family and all the friends he met along the way meant to him. He never forgot to thank God for all his blessings and never failed to say I love you. He will never be forgotten and will be loved forever. Joseph is survived by his children, Christopher Wenzel of Waukegan, IL, Mary (Craig) Bloemker of Libertyville, IL, Kevin (Maureen) Wenzel of Winthrop Harbor, IL, Karen Saveraid of Waukegan, IL, Joseph Wenzel of Winthrop Harbor, IL, Jean Wenzel of Zion, IL, Loretta (Howard) Jones of Beach Park, IL, Susan Wenzel of Waukegan, IL and Lisa (Tom) Hackl of West Dundee, IL; 15 grandchildren, Kristina, Katie (Douglas), Justin, Joshua, Kyle (Jenn), Kelly, Matthew (Kendra), Jacob, Angela (Eric), Brandy, Alexander, Ryan, Sarah, Joe, and Rachel; great-grandchild, Elianna; brother, Henry Wenzel of MO; sisters, Ann Gibson of TN, Kathryn Haas of IL, Bernice Smith of IA, brother-in-law, Michael (Anna) Papageorge of IL and all of his treasured nieces and nephews. Joseph was preceded in death by his loving and lovely wife Elaine; his beloved parents, Henry and Mary Wenzel; devoted sister Rita B. Wenzel; parents-in-law, Menelaos and Eveline Papageorge; brothers-in-law, Joseph Haas, Levi Smith, and George Papageorge; and sisters-in-law, Ruth Wenzel and Carol Papageorge. Pray for the repose of his soul and may his memory be eternal. A visitation will be held Thursday, December 3, 2015 from 5:00 until 8:00 p.m. at CONGDON FUNERAL HOME, 3012 Sheridan Rd., Zion, IL. Mass of Christian burial will be held Friday, December 4, 2015 at 10:30 a.m. at St. Anastasia Catholic Church, 624 Douglas Ave., Waukegan, IL. Interment will follow at Ascension Cemetery, Libertyville, IL.