Bertha Arlene Wankel, 96, Beardstown, went home to be with the Lord Monday, April 17, 2023, at Rushville Nursing and Rehabilitation Center.
She was born in rural Arenzville on April 10, 1927, to Henry Hendricker and Mathilda Louise (Krohe) Hendricker. She married Ralph Wankel on March 18, 1950, in Beardstown, and he preceded her in death on March 13, 2015.
In addition to her parents and husband, she was also preceded in death by five brothers, Homer Hendricker, Irvin Hendricker, Ralph Hendricker, Lewis George Hendricker, Harold Allen Hendricker; six sisters, Myrtle Carls, Rosa Edge, Ada Bennett, Mabel Hendricker, Phyllis Crocker, Vera Johnson; and several nieces and nephews.
She is survived by four sons, Neal Wankel of Rushville, Mark (Natasha) Wankel of Owensville, Indiana, David Wankel, Beardstown, Larry (Shelley) Wankel of New Baden; ten grandchildren, Jordan (Rachel) Wankel, Milady (Chad) Griffin, Skyler (Richard) Longbons, Heidy Wankel, Eden Wankel, Bradley (Emeley) Wankel, Raylynn (Dan) Sahm, Cassie (Rolando) Luna, Chloe Wankel (aka Anthony Navarre), Shannon Wankel; eleven great-grandchildren, several nieces and nephews; and brother-in-law Calvin Johnson.
Bertha spent her life as a committed Christ follower, serving for many years as a children’s Sunday School teacher and missions leader in the local Nazarene church. She was also a loving and devoted wife, mother and grandmother, always caring for others (especially her grandchildren). By tending to all homemaker tasks, she was an integral part of the family farm operation (she ran a household populated by all men for seven decades). She was an excellent cook and diligent gardener. She was raised believing that a lady should not wear pants, but she would put on a pair to pick blackberries to bake pies for her family.
A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, April 22, 2023, at the Bethel Community Church of the Nazarene in rural Arenzville. Visitation will be from 10 a.m.-11:00 a.m. at the church.
Memorial contributions are suggested to the Bethel Community Church of the Nazarene.
Sager Funeral Home assisted the family. Condolences may be left online at www.sagerfuneralhome.com.
