Betty J. Wenzel

1944 - 2025

Betty J. Wenzel
Born: January 10, 1944 in Spring Valley, IL
Died: May 16, 2025 in La Moille, IL
Betty J. (Engelhaupt) Wenzel, 81, of La Moille, passed away at her home, surrounded by family, on May 16, 2025. She was a lymphoma survivor, but complications from treatment led to ongoing health issues later in life, which ultimately contributed to her passing.
A Mass of Christian burial will be held at 10:30 AM Thursday, May 29, at St. Patrick's Church in La Salle with Rev. Thomas Shaw officiating. Visitation will be from 4 to 7:00 PM on Wednesday, May 28, at Hurst Funeral Home in La Salle, and a rosary will be recited prior, starting at 3:30 PM. Additional visitation will be in the church on Thursday from 9:30 AM to 10:15 AM.
She was born in Spring Valley on January 10, 1944, to August and Dorothy (Bodnum) Engelhaupt. She married Francis Wenzel on October 13, 1962, at Immaculate Conception Church in Spring Valley, and they shared over 61 years of marriage together. Beyond her cherished role as a loving mom and grandma, Betty was a passionate farmer and found great joy in working the land; her favorite place was in the cab of a combine during harvest. In addition, she was a brilliant businesswoman-owning and operating her own real estate and appraisal business-and also served as a farm owner-operator, 4-H leader, and accountant.
Betty touched countless lives and brought many closer to God through her deep involvement in TEC (Teens Encounter Christ), Cursillo, Prison Cursillo, and through the quiet strength of her faith-filled actions and tireless volunteer work. As a professed Lay Carmelite of the Order of Our Lady of Mount Carmel, she embraced a life of prayer, community, and spiritual commitment. The thousands of rosaries she hand-crafted can be found all over the world. Her life was a living witness to God's love and grace, and her faith shone brightly in all she did. Her family chose this high school senior photo for the obituary because it shows her love, strength, and beautiful spirit.
Family was everything to Betty. She loved picnics and reunions on the river beach, boating and waterskiing, spending time with her grandkids, traveling, and walking the Florida beach hunting for sand dollars and shells. She also took joy in baking, canning, and freezing homemade treats for her family.
She is survived by her four children, Mary Beth (Tom) Norton of La Moille and Longboat Key, FL, Susanne (Mike) Bullock of West Chicago, Jennifer (Matt) Wenzel-Wamhoff of La Moille, and Mark (Teri) Wenzel of Mendota; four grandchildren Jessica Bullock, Daniel Bullock, Luke Wamhoff, and Elaina Wamhoff; brother, Joe Engelhaupt; and sisters, Carol Renkosik and Donna (Tom) Fulara. She was preceded in death by her husband, Francis; infant son, Mathew; parents; and nephew Larry Wenzel.
In lieu of flowers, and in honor of Betty's generous spirit and lifelong habit of giving to others, the family invites you to donate to a charity of your choice or have a Mass said for her.
Online condolences may be viewed and remembrances shared at www.hurstfuneralhomes.com.