We mourn the loss of Marguerite Marie Johnson Wenzel, who left us December 8, 2020, at age 103. Born in Oak Park, Illinois, on September 3, 1917, to Lillian (Williams) and Max Johnson, Marguerite spent her early childhood in the loving home of her grandparents, hearing stories of her grandfather's youth in Sweden and tales of his travels around the world. Marguerite's sister, Dorothy (Dottie), was born in 1919, and the family moved to Glen Ellyn five years later.

In 1938, Marguerite met the love of her life, Albert Charles Wenzel. They married on June 25, 1939, and moved to Wheaton, where they joyfully welcomed their two sons: John Albert in 1941 and Richard Charles in 1945. Theirs was a family bonded by love and hard work. Al worked in and then owned Wenzel Grocery and Market on Hale Street for many years before opening Midwestern Auto in 1957. While at Wheaton Central High School both sons worked with their father at the store while Marguerite kept both the home and the books for the business. After college, John and Richard each met the loves of their lives, married, and had children.

Marguerite and Al reveled in the role of doting grandparents, treating each grandchild as a treasured individual. Marguerite has been a stalwart member of her church, St. Paul's Evangelical Lutheran Church, since 1939. She brought good cheer, kind words, and a generous heart to every person she met. She was a renowned baker and shared cookies and cakes with many. She will be remembered as a kind and generous neighbor—one to whom the neighbor's children bring their own children to meet.

She is survived by her son John and his wife, Vera, her daughter-in-law Norma, her six grandchildren, and her four great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her sister, her husband, and her son Richard.

A memorial service will be held at Saint Paul Lutheran Church, 512 S. Wheaton Ave., Wheaton, IL 60187 on Sunday, August 29, at 1:00 p.m. with a reception to follow at the church.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Saint Paul Evangelical Lutheran Church in Wheaton.

Family and friends may sign a guest book at hultgrenfh.com . For more information, please call Hultgren Funeral Home at 630-668-0027 .