Barbara Wendler

Barbara J. Wendler, 76, of Chillicothe Illinois died on July 16, 2021 at UnityPoint Methodist in Peoria. Born in Varna Ill. on November 9, 1944 to the late Warren and E. Rosalind (Crew) Crank, she married Rupert E. Wendler Jr. on October 26, 1964 in Lacon. Rupert passed away on October 9, 1992.

First and foremost, Barb was mother to all, whether it was her own children or folks that just need a little motherly attention she took care of it. Over the years she worked at CVS and Kroger deli in Chillicothe. She loved being a foster grandparent in the Princeton area for children, reading to them and doing other things that grandparents do. Barb loved sudoku and jigsaw puzzles. Most of all she enjoyed getting family together for meals and special events.

Barb is survived by her children Edward (Linda) Wendler of Coal City, Twana (Jerry) Risley of Harrisburg Michael (Billie) Wendler of Carrier Mills, Brian (Terry) Crank of Chillicothe, Stephen (Christy) Wendler of Chillicothe, Douglas Wendler of Pekin, Rupert “Bob” (Jennifer) Wendler of Baltimore MD, Kevin (Erin) Wendler of Chillicothe, Kimberly (Nick) Darlington of Lacon; siblings Alberta Rayburn of Princeton, Harold (Margene) Crank of Marseilles, Mary Maxey of Streator; 31 grandchildren; and 22 great grandchildren. She was also preceded in death by two sisters and one brother.

Cremation rites have been accorded and a memorial visitation will be held Tuesday, July 20 from 4 to 6 PM at Lenz Memorial Home in Lacon. A Celebration of life will be at a later date in August in the Chillicothe Cemetery. Memorial contributions can be made to Saint Jude Children’s Hospital and online condolences can be left at lenzmemorialhome.com

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