Marlene Wendorf

Marlene M. Wendorf died peacefully on June 7, 2014. She was born August 26, 1931 in Mount Prospect, IL, to Dr. Wesley and Lillian Holste Simonis. Marlene was raised in Two Rivers, WI and was studying Home Economics at University of Wisconsin when she met Gerald (Jerry) Wendorf. Marlene and Jerry have been married for 62 years. Jerry's career took them from Chicago to Zanesville, OH; Syracuse, NY; Hollidaysburg, PA; Pittsburgh, PA and Indianapolis, IN. Marlene made moving an adventure for the family. Her enthusiasm and support made it easy to adjust to new schools, make new friends and enjoy new experiences. In July 2009, Marlene attended her 60th High School Reunion and had a memorable weekend with friends she's had since grade school. Marlene worked in Insurance Claim Processing for Traveler's Insurance and Donley Horan & Associates. She was a master seamstress and a student of nutrition and healthy lifestyle. She was a member of Carmel Lutheran Church and knitted with all her heart for the Prayer Shawl Ministry. She loved her book club, her bridge groups, all things Wisconsin Badger and volunteer work for the Carmel Public Library and the American Diabetes Association. Marlene and Jerry enjoyed traveling throughout Europe and all over the United States. In later years they participated in 40 Elderhostel Programs and they travelled, studied and made more friends. In her fight against Alzheimer's Disease she never lost her smile, laugh or sense of humor. Marlene is survived by her husband Jerry; daughter Janet Klein (Peter); son, Craig (Sarah Hellert); sisters, Eileen Rider, Elaine Verwey, Dianne Brown and June Ertenberg. Special thanks to Carmel Lutheran Church, the staff and residents at Berkshire Assisted Living and to Marlene's many friends for their kindness and support. Friends and family are invited to gather from 1:00 to 3:00 pm On Friday, June 13 at Flanner and Buchanan-Carmel. Private family services will follow. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the American Diabetes Association or the Alzheimer's Association.