Kathleen Wankel
Kathleen (Kay, Kate, Nama) Wankel of Rantoul IL, Evansdale, Woodville, TX, McGregor and Chicago, IL died June 28, 2020 at the age of 78 years. Due to the current Covid-19 Pandemic, a small service with immediate family was held. The family hopes to have a memorial service at St Joseph’s in New Albin at a future date.
Kathleen was born December 28, 1941 in LaCrosse, WI to Harold and Evangeline (Smerud) McKenna. She was raised in Caledonia, MN and New Albin. She moved to Chicago, IL, where she met and married Robert Wankel. They had a daughter, Dianna, and son, Robert. They retired to McGregor.
After Bob’s passing in 1990 Kay moved to Woodville, TX. The past few years she lived near family in Evansdale and the final stay was in the care of Dianna and Robert at Robert’s home in Rantoul, IL. Like her entire life, her end, she did it her way. She was surrounded by her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, which gave her much joy, happiness and comfort.
While Kathleen was present on this earth, she enjoyed spending time with family and friends, dancing, attending church, reading, sending and receiving letters, playing Chinese Checkers, Euchre, and doing puzzles. Her favorite pastime, something all who knew her will remember her for, was going on “Adventures” with anyone that would tag along (or by herself if no one would volunteer).
One of Kay’s fondest expressions was “Let’s go out and make some good memories!” She was always full of adventures. So many have great stories to share and memories to hold. We are sad but so appreciative for Kay’s company these many years.
She was truly a remarkable woman. She could fix almost anything (to the point where it was “good enough for Dam B”), worked harder than most and she baked the best pies. She would read multiple books a day, remembered everyone’s birthday and anniversary, she loved telling her life stories and she always had the coffee pot on.
Kathleen never knew a stranger and loved every child she ever met.
May she join Bob and so many family members waiting for her. May she be at peace. She will continue to watch over all of us with her huge heart – we will have to imagine her “suggestions”.
Kathleen is survived by her children, Dianna (Daniel) Lienard and Robert Wankel; her grandchildren, Dominique (Lemond) Peppers, Jessica Wankel, Danielle (Kyle) Trevena, Joshua Wankel, Jonah Wankel, Demetria Lienard, Jianna Wankel, Julianna Wankel, Jaedon Wankel and Laura Wankel; her great-grandchildren, Tatiyana Peppers, Layla Peppers, Luna and Zeva Palmer, Asheron Wankel, Aries Wankel, Josiah Wankel, Francis Trevena, and William and Benjamin Trevena; her siblings, Michelle (Arthur) Caccavale, Colleen McKenna, Bridget (Elmer) Robinson, Kenneth (Nancy) McKenna, Evangeline McKenna, Thomas (Mathew Sipes) McKenna, Constance (Glen) Strait, Maureen (David) Phifer and Brian (Chris) McKenna; countless cousins, nieces and nephews; and her only remaining uncle, Al (Lorna) Smerud.
Any contributions will be made in her name to her favorite charities by her children. Cards and letters can be sent care of Robert Wankel, 3326 County Road 2000 E, Rantoul IL, 61866.
