Delores Marie "Blondie" Wenzel, 99, of Merriam, KS, formerly of Hannibal, MO passed away at 8:30 PM, Saturday, November 4, at the Kansas City Hospice House in Kansas City, MO.
Delores was born September 29, 1924, in Hawk Point, MO to Henry George Frank and Ida Marie Stonebarger Frank. She was first married to Marvin E. Collins in 1940. He preceded her in death in 1943. She later married Glennon P. "Kayo" Wenzel on May 15, 1948, in Hannibal, MO. He preceded her death in 1990.
In 1946, Delores moved to Hannibal. She worked at the Bluff City Shoe Factory for several years and then later became a homemaker. Delores was a skilled embroiderer. She created numerous embroidered tea towels, pillow cases, and dresser scarves for her family and friends. She also loved to quilt and created many hand pieced and embroidered quilts for her family. Delores was a fan of country music, Johnny Cash being one of her favorites. She loved flowers and being outside working in her yard. She loved animals and enjoyed watching all the wildlife that entered her yard. Delores had a sweet tooth, she loved ice cream, cookies, cake, and very sweet tea. In her younger years, Delores became an avid bus tour traveler. She especially enjoyed trips to Branson and Myrtle Beach. Most of all, Delores loved her family and cherished the moments spent with them.
When Delores resided in Hannibal she was an active member of Holy Family Catholic Church, Council of Catholic Women and St. Elizabeth Hospital Auxiliary. She was also an election poll worker for many years.
Survivors include her two daughters, Phyllis Marie Wenzel of Overland Park, KS and Patricia Ann Wenzel of Shawnee, KS; granddaughter, Suzette Smith of Glendale, AZ; great grandsons, Jason Smith, Shane Smith, and Christopher Smith all of AZ; great great granddaughters, Chloe Smith, and Berlin Smith; nieces, Alice Steiger (Leroy) of Florissant, MO, Linda Crist (Scott) of Troy, MO, Kaye Bigelow (Charlie) of Mexico, MO, Suzanne Gazaway (John) of Lake Ozark, MO; nephews, Kevin Wenzel (Teresa) of Vandalia, MO, Michael Wenzel (Kim) of Mexico, MO, Patrick Neff (Sue) of Fulton, MO, and Michael Neff (Jane) of Osage Beach, MO.
Delores was preceded in death by her parents; one son, Donald Collins; three brothers, Robert P. Frank, George Wilson Frank, and William A. Frank.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10 A.M., Saturday, November 11, at Holy Family Catholic Church in Hannibal, MO. Fr. Alex Gabriel and Fr. Mike Quinn will officiate. Burial will be at Holy Family Catholic Cemetery in Hannibal. Friends and Family are invited to Delores's Life Celebration at a visitation that will be from 5 P.M. to 7 P.M., Friday, November 10, at the James O'Donnell Funeral Home in Hannibal, MO.
Honorary pallbearers will be Kevin Wenzel, Mike Wenzel, Patrick Neff, Michael Neff, Charlie Bigelow, and Leroy Steiger. Memorial contributions may be made to the Salvation Army, American Heart Association, or American Cancer Society. Online condolences may be shared and video tribute may be viewed at www.JamesODonnellFuneralHome.com.
