Eileen Wengel

Eileen Mildred Wengel (née Burns), 91, an Alsip resident for many years, following a short illness, passed away in hospice care at Palos Community Hospital with her loving husband Phil of 71 years at her side. A lifelong Chicago resident Eileen was born October 1, 1925 to Edward P. and Mildred J. (Sahs) Burns. She graduated St. Theodore's Grammar School and Harper High School. She was a member of St. Terrence Church, Alsip, for many years. The love-of-her-life, Phil, met her at an American Legion dance the night before he was shipped to Europe during World War II to serve two years in Patton’s Army. During this time they exchanged letters until his return in 1944. On April 25, 1946 they began their lasting marriage and partnership. Eileen loved to travel, sail, water ski, bowl, party, attend concerts and dance, work and spend time with her forty-two nieces and nephews and many friends. She also loved corvettes, fashionable clothing and her three wire-haired terriers Teddy, Dusty and Peaches. Supremely organized she ALWAYS remembered to send birthday and holiday cards to friends and relatives. Generous, thoughtful and kind to the core she created and shared many exciting memories for each person she encountered. Eileen was a member of The Burnham Park Yacht Club for many years. She was the only female and most successful salesperson for Cameo Container Corporation (Smurfit-Stone) for which she worked for many years. Her customers included the Chicago White Sox, Bears and Blackhawks, most of China Town (she spoke Mandarin), and other high profile organizations. She is survived by her husband, Phil, her sisters-in-law Katherine Burns of South Holland, IL, and Lucille Burns of Munster, IN. Preceding in death were her parents, a sister Bernice, a twin brother Eugene, a brother Gerald, and a brother-in-law Bill Englert. Visitation will be held on Friday, May 26 from 4 to 9 P.M. at the Palos-Gaidas Funeral Home at 11028 Southwest Hwy., Palos Hills, IL 60465. Funeral Saturday May 27th, 9 AM from the funeral home to St. Terrence Church, 4300 W. 119th Place, Alsip, Illinois, for Mass of the Christian Burial at 10 AM. The Reverend Edward J Barrett will preside. After the ceremony a graveside service will be held in St. Mary Cemetery, 8700 South Hamlin Ave, Evergreen Park, IL 60805. The family would like to thank the compassionate caretakers of Lexington Healthcare Center of Lombard, BrightStar Care of Tinley Park and Palos Community Hospital and Hospice in Palos Heights. Memorial gifts in Eileen’s memory may be made to the Salvation Army. Express your thoughts and memories in the online Guest Book at www.palosgaidasfh.com (708) 974 4410