Eugene Wensel Obituary

Eugene Marlin Wensel
Eugene Marlin Wensel, aged 87 of Downers Grove IL died on March 16, 2023, in his home from heart failure. He was born on July 8, 1935, in South Beloit, WI to Marlin and Lucile Wensel. His sister Ruthann preceded him in death. Gene grew up in Rockton IL, playing with his best friend PeeWee along the banks of the Rock River. He graduated from Hononega High School and earned a B.S. in Biology from Carthage College in Carthage IL.
While at Carthage he met, fell in love with and married Lois Jane Park of Peoria, IL. He played football for the Carthage Redmen and received Little All-American honors for his play. He began his career as a teacher after graduation from Carthage, teaching at La Harpe High School. After earning is master's degree in biology from University of Cincinnati, he taught at Central High in Peoria before settling at Thornton Community College in Harvey IL in 1963 (TCC later became South Suburban College in South Holland, IL). Gene and Lois have two children David (born April 30, 1958, in Carthage IL) and Deborah (born March 11, 1961, in Cincinnati OH).
He was an avid upland game hunter and fisherman hunting pheasant on family-owned farmland in central Illinois, grouse in north central Wisconsin and turkey throughout the Midwest. He enjoyed smallmouth bass fishing in northern Wisconsin and walleye fishing on Lake Erie. He was a craftsman, builder and artist and Little League coach. He and Lois traveled extensively after retirement in 1997. He was also an avid golfer from high school to the end of his life with two holes in one to his credit.
Gene is survived by his wife Lois and his children David and Deborah as well as 5 grandchildren Jack, Peter, Maddy, Eric and Alex. He and Lois made countless friends throughout their life together. Gene's life was blessed with wonderful times spent with family and friends. He will be greatly missed.
Visitation Thursday, March 23rd, 10:00 a.m. until time of Funeral Service, 12:00 p.m. at Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, 4501 Main Street, Downers Grove, Illinois 60515. Interment Private. In lieu of flowers, memorials to The National Audubon Society, Attn.: Donations, 225 Varick Street, 7th Floor, New York, NY 10014 or www.audubon.org/donate, appreciated. Arrangements by Adams-Winterfield & Sullivan Funeral Home. Information: 630-968-1000 or www.adamswinterfieldsullivan.com.