Jean Wenzel, 87, of Lena, passed away suddenly on August 21, 2016. She was born on August 4, 1929 to Thomas & Luellen Nolan. The family was separated at the death of their mother when Jean was two years old. Years later the siblings reunited and had many wonderful family gatherings over the years.

Edwin and Jean (Nolan) Wenzel were married on February 18, 1948, at Amity Lutheran Church in Lena. They farmed over 30 years in the McConnell/Waddams Grove area. After raising her children, Jean worked for the Lena Veterinarian Clinic and then for many years as a secretary at in the Lena-Winslow School District. Jean was a lifetime and very active member of Good Shepherd Lutheran church in Lena. She enjoyed china painting, playing cards, spending time with friends and especially her family. Her grandchildren and great-grandchildren were some of her greatest treasurers. Jean is survived by son, Duane (Sherry) Wenzel of Freeport, daughter, Marcia (Gary) Meyers of Lena, and son, Rev. Dennis (Donna) Wenzel of Plymouth, Indiana; grandchildren Scott(Jill), Jeff (Lindsay), Tim (Leslie), Daniel (Kristin) Wenzel, Lynn Meyers (Cindy Miller), Laurie (Jeremy) Hylen, Brenda (Justin) Pathmann, Michael (Tricia) Meyers, Eric (Dawn) Wenzel; great-grandchildren, Brandon, Brittany, Deacon, Natalie Wenzel, Emily, Michelle, Noah Meyers, Ethan Pathmann, Hannah Hylen, Joshua and Seth Wenzel and Brad and Sara Nelson. Jean is also survived by brother-in-law, Lee Wenzel, sister-in-laws, Marion Fahr, Virginia Miller, Lucille Nolan, her foster sister, Vivian (Gene) Hesselbacher, and special friend, Jim Swain.

Jean was preceded in death by her husband of 66 years, Edwin, brothers, Ray, Don, Orville, LeRoy, Carson Nolan; sisters Nelda Schlegel and Dorothy Snider and foster sister, Kathleen Shumaker.

Services will be held on Friday, August 26th 11:00 a.m. Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, Lena with visitation on Thursday from 4:00 – 7:00 p.m. at Good Shepherd and an hour before the service. Pastor Dennis Wenzel and Pastor Art Stees will be officiating. Burial will be at Chapel Hill. A memorial has been established for Good Shepherd Church and the American Heart Association.