Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
BORN
1955
DIED
2011
FUNERAL HOME
Joan Bengel Obituary
She was born June 28, 1955, in Chicago, the daughter of Charles and Marjory Furguson Dalton. She married George R. Bengel on June 20, 1982, in Hazel Crest, and he survives.
Joan is also survived by two children, Norman Bengel of Chicago and Lindsay Bengel of Jacksonville; her mother, Marjory Dalton of Homewood; one sister, Claudia (husband, James) Barnick of Homewood, and her children Andrew, Charles and Peter; her mother-in-law, Jane Bengel of Duluth, Ga.; sister-in-law, Marian (husband, Daniel) Miller of Duluth, Ga., and her children Grace and Kendal; and brother-in-law, David (wife, Belinda) Bengel of Morgan Hill, Calif., and his children Robert, Evelyn and Mark. She was preceded in death by her father, Charles Dalton; and her father-in-law, Robert Bengel.
A graduate of Homewood-Flossmoor High School, Joan received a Bachelor of English degree from MacMurray College and graduated Magna Cum Laude. She taught high school English and Drama at Ashland, Dwight and Ursuline Academy high schools. She was also the Director of Alumni Affairs at MacMurray College for several years. She served as an adoption specialist for DCFS. The last 13 years of her career were spent as director and teacher of First Presbyterian Pre-School in Jacksonville until her retirement in 2010.
Joan loved planning special events with her family and friends. She fought a courageous three and a half year battle with cancer and she never wavered from her determination to participate in every event, activity, or family gathering.
A theatre minor in college, Joan was active with the Jacksonville Theatre Guild and performed in "Oklahoma" and "Annie." She also enjoyed singing with the Jacksonville Symphony Society and the First Presbyterian Church Choir, and directing the church's Cherub Choir. Joan served as president of the Jacksonville Association for Music.
A Celebration of Life service will be held at 4 p.m. on Wednesday at First Presbyterian Church, 870 W. College Avenue in Jacksonville. The family will meet friends from 2-4 p.m. Wednesday at the church. Private interment will be at Oak Ridge Cemetery in Springfield. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to First Presbyterian Church of Jacksonville or the Y-ME Breast Cancer Support Network at www.race.y-me.org/momandjoansjourney. The Williamson Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Condolences may be left online at www.airsman-hires.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Joan Bengel
Craig Klatzco (Mac class of 79)
July 1, 2011
George, I was deeply saddened by the death of Joan. This must be very difficult for everyone. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Mark Stegall
June 30, 2011
I just learned of Joan's passing today. I am sorry for your loss. J. Mark Stegall MacMurray class of '77
Teresa Adams
June 21, 2011
Goerge, Norman and Lindsay, I will keep you in my prayers. When I think of Joan --> I think of how wonderfully blessed we were when Joan found her path in teaching the Little ones at FP Preschool and applied for the director position,her passion in knowing this was her direction was powerful and felt in the hearts of the board and then all the childrens lifes that she blessed with her teachings.
Continued thoughts and prayers.
Patty Hudson
June 8, 2011
Joan was a wonderful and beautiful woman inside and out. May she find peace and joy in heaven now and may George, Norman and Lindsay remember her with love as they handle their grief. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Tammy Guthrie
June 8, 2011
Joan & I were "band moms" together. We frequently were in the van following the band in a parade. There was much time to talk and get to know this wonderful lady. Joan truly blessed our family's lives. Dance with Jesus, sweet lady!
Wendy Fandl
June 8, 2011
We are filled with many memories of our time shared together during our years in Jacksonville. Joan was an enthusiastic and gifted woman and I appreciated my friendship with her during the years our children were very young. We send heartfelt sympathy to George, Norman, and Lindsay during this difficult loss, praying that God comforts you with many rich and sweet memories. We love you and lift your family in prayer. Paul, Wendy, John and Maria Fandl
BRAD KARR
June 7, 2011
I had the pleasure of meeting Joan when I was very young as my father worked for George's Aero Ambulance Company. She and George had just started dating. Her kindness, humor, compassion and wisdom have always meant so much. It was an honor to have her teach four of my five children, all who love her dearly and poigniantly feel her loss. Your race is run, dear Joan. Rest now in the peace of Christ. Your life and your reward and DEFINITELY worth celebrating!
Susan Weikert
June 7, 2011
Joan certainly lived a life worth celebrating!! She was an amazing, strong woman and she will be greatly missed. Please know that as you grieve this loss, our thoughts and prayers are with you.
All our love, Dick and Susan Weikert
Showing 1 - 8 of 8 results
Make a Donation
in Joan Bengel's name
Memorial Events
for Joan Bengel
How to support Joan's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Joan Bengel's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
