Grace Wendel

Grace Wendel (née Pradel), 86, went to her heavenly home on December 1, 2025. She had been a resident of Elmhurst, IL, for 53 years.
Grace was born on November 4, 1939, in Chicago, IL, to Arthur and Virginia Pradel. She is survived by her husband of 65 years, Reverend John M. Wendel, as well as her four children. She is also survived by two of her six siblings, Jack and Charlotte, and was preceded in death by George, Ruth, and Paul.
She spent her childhood years in Naperville, IL, graduating from Naperville Central High School, and went on to study to become a nurse.
She committed her life to Jesus as a young girl in her home church. She later met her future husband, John M. Wendel, a seminary student who was serving as the church's new pastor.
They married on September 17, 1960, and were blessed with four children: Faith Hurst (Greg), John (Adriana), Timothy (Melanie), and Sharon Anderson (Chad). The blessing continued to the next generation with ten grandchildren: Timothy (Liz), Kayla, Nathanael (Kira), Hannah, Elijah (Briar), Mariah (AJ), Olivia, Hunter, Parker, and Grace; and one great-grandchild, Elise Marie Wendel.
Together, she and her husband planted and pastored several church congregations in the Chicago area, serving in ministry throughout their entire married life.
Anyone who met Grace was immediately drawn in by her warm and welcoming personality. She never met a stranger. Grace and her husband participated as a couple in a weekly radio program, The Evening Chapel Hour, where her beautiful soprano voice graced all those who tuned in.
She filled her home with music, joy, and laughter, welcoming neighbors, church members, and visitors from around the world. When not at home, you could find Grace attending her grandchildren's events, visiting missionary-kid grandchildren overseas, and always loving and praying for so many.
Her sparkling eyes expressed the deep joy and love in her heart for her Savior, Jesus Christ.
Visitation will be at 9:00 a.m. on Saturday, Dec. 6, 2025, directly followed by a funeral service at 10:00 a.m. Both will take place at Cityview Community Church, 343 S. York St., Elmhurst, IL. Interment: Bronswood Cemetery (3805 Madison St., Oak Brook, IL). The family thanks you for your prayers and messages of condolence.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial contributions be made to Parakaleo, an organization that provides Gospel-centered support and encouragement to women in ministry using the link www.Parakaleo.us/tribute
Arrangements in care of Elmhurst Community Funeral Home – THE AHLGRIM CHAPEL. For more information, (630) 834-3515 or www.ElmhurstFH.com.