Lena G. Wengler

Danville- Lena G. Wengler, 101, passed away at 1:30 a.m. at Provena United Samaritans Medical Center in Danville. She was born October 28, 1910 near Muncie, Il. to Allie (Waddell) and Daniel B. McCray. Survivors include, daughter Jean (John) Hayward; grandsons, James R. Wengler, Jr. and Matthew J. Fitzsimmons; granddaughters, Jan (Joseph) Redmon, Teresa (Charles) Leeman, and Michelle Wengler; great-grandchildren, Amanda Wengler, Sara Wengler, Brett Leeman, Kyle Leeman, Michael Fitzsimmons, and Emma Fitzsimmons; and a cousin, Garnett Waddell of Naperville. She is preceded in death by her husband Ralph T. Wengler, son James (Joyce) Wengler, sisters, Ruth (Verne) Grant, Mary (Verne) Summers, and Opal McCray; granddaughter Cheri Wengler, and nephew Donald Summers and his wife Marylin. Lena lived an extraordinary life. She graduated from Donovan, Illinois High School in 1929 where she played in the first public girl's basketball game in the Donovan area. While still living at home, she learned to drive on a Ford Model T. During the great depression, she moved to Chicago where she worked in clothing sales. She later married Ralph Wengler, and in the late 1930's they returned to the Danville area where they restored and remodeled several houses. In the 1970s, she worked at Deutsch's Uptown clothing store for several years. She retired at the age of 79. Mother/Nana was a warm, compassionate, and loving woman. Her smile radiated. With exceptional strength and uncommon kindness, her life was (and is still) an inspiration to all those who knew her. She will remain in our hearts and in our thoughts, her love and gentle guidance will be with us always. A celebration of life for Lena G. Wengler will be held at 11:00 a.m. Monday, April 9, 2012 at Sunset funeral Home and Cremation Center, 3940 N. Vermilion St., with Pastor James Walker officiating. Burial will be in Stearns cemetery, Fithian. Visitation will be held one hour (10-11:00a.m.) prior the service on Monday. Please join Lena's family in sharing memories, photos, and video of her life through her tribute wall at www.sunsetfuneralhome.com.