Lillian M. Wentzel

Lillian M. "Lilla" Wentzel, 91, formerly of West Reading, died peacefully on February 7,

2018, at Villa St. Elizabeth where she resided.

Born March 13, 1926, in Highland Park, MI, Lilla was a daughter of the late Mary G.

(Gurski) DeHart.

She was predeceased by her husband, Leroy A. Wentzel, May 11, 2003. The couple

was married September 13, 1947, in St. Paul's Reformed Church, Reading. Her bridal

gown was hand-crafted by a friend from a parachute brought home as a WWII souvenir

by her groom. Lilla and Roy were happily married for fifty-five years.

She is survived by her children: Thomas L., husband of Anna Maria (Schneider)

Wentzel, Lititz; William W., husband of Nancy E. (Mott) Wentzel, Lewes, DE; and

Cynthia Wentzel Bjorke, wife of Paul N. Bjorke, Sinking Spring. There are two siblings,

James C., husband of Lore DeHart, West Reading, and Judith A., wife of David Delp,

Mohnton. Eight grandchildren and five great-grandchildren also survive her.

Lilla was a 1943 graduate of Kutztown High School where she majored in business and

was a cheerleader. Active in class reunions, she served as the recording secretary for

both the 40th and 50th reunions. Upon high school graduation, Lilla attended business

school where she became a member of the Alpha Iota business sorority.

Lilla was first employed at Pomeroy's Department Store, then Bortz Chocolate and

finally by the PA Department of Health from which she retired after 25 years of service.

She was a long-time, faithful member of St. James United Church of Christ, West

Reading.

After retirement, she and her husband traveled extensively, including the United States,

Canada, and Europe.

Lilla was an active member of the West Reading community where she served on

numerous social event committees, and volunteered at the local election polls, the

Reading Hospital, Meals on Wheels and the Health Department.

Lilla was an avid and competitive card player for many decades, winning many pinochle

tournaments and trophies. In her later years, she continued to play pinochle and rummy

at Villa St. Elizabeth.

Lilla's family was most important to her, and she hosted many family gatherings over the

years. She was a faithful supporter of her children's, grandchildren's and greatgrandchildren's

academic and sports events.

A memorial service will be held Friday, March 23, 2018, at 1 p.m. at Edward J. Kuhn

Funeral Home, Inc, West Reading; a visitation will be held from 12:30 to 1 p.m. In lieu of

flowers, contributions may be made to Berks Encore (Meals on Wheels), 40 N. 9th St.,

Reading, PA 19601 or donate on their website www.berksencore.org.

Online condolences may be recorded at www.kuhnfuneralhomes.com.