Mary J. Menzel

Mary J. Menzel (nee Williams), age 87 years, of Beechwood entered Eternal Life on February 12, 2023 at her home surrounded by her loving family.

Mary was born on November 5, 1935 in Elgin, Illinois to Owen and Mabel Williams (nee McAuliffe).  She was united in marriage to Lester L. Menzel, Jr. on April 6, 1957 in Woodstock, Illinois.

Mary graduated from Woodstock Community High School.  She worked at National Bank and Woolworths in Woodstock before relocating to Beechwood and becoming a full-time stay at home mom.  Mary enjoyed bowling, supporting her family’s many activities, gardening, bird watching, playing Pinochle, and cheering for the Brewers.

Those Mary leaves behind to cherish her memory include her husband of  65 years, Lester; six children, David (Vicki) Menzel, Debbie (special friend Doug) Feuerhammer, Denise Nowakowski, Donna Reilly, Dan (partner Cortez) Menzel, and Don (Lori) Menzel; 9 grandchildren, Jason Menzel, Andrea (Chris) Harmsen, Katie (Tom) Schellinger, Haley Nowakowski, Aric (Nicole) Reilly, Lindley Reilly, Bryan (Rachel) Reilly, Emma Menzel, and Ben Menzel; 10 great-grandchildren, Ryleigh, Nolan, Josh, Violet, Autumn, Noah, Isaac, Eleanor, Audrey, and Natalie.  She is further survived by brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. 

In addition to her parents, Mary was preceded in death by her two brothers, William (Harriett) Williams and Jack (Virginia) Williams; grandson, Samuel Nowakowski; and son-in-law, Edward Reilly.

A Private Family Funeral Service will be held.

Private Family Interment will be at McHenry County Memorial Park at a later date.

Memorials in Mary’s name can be directed to Beechwood Fire Department / First Responders (W8451 Hwy S - Adell, WI  53001) or Alzheimer’s Association Wisconsin Chapter (620 S 76th St. #160 – Milwaukee, WI  53214).

The family would like to thank Denise for the loving care for her mother for the final years of her life, and to the doctors, nurses, and staff of the Beechwood First Responders and Horizon Hospice for their care and compassion.

Myrhum-Patten Funeral & Cremation Service has been entrusted with Mary’s arrangements. Please consider signing our online guest book (www.myrhum-patten.com) to share your condolences with the family. 

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