Shannon resident, Faye Maurine "Schmidt" Wenzel, 92, passed away November 5, 2019, at Presence St Joseph Center, in Freeport, IL.

Faye was born to Carl and Gladys (Daniels) Schmidt on February 23, 1927. Faye would go on to graduate from Shannon High School before a local farmer—Robert "Bud" Wenzel—courted Faye in the mid-1940s. The two joined in matrimony on December 10, 1947 at Bethel United Methodist Church of Shannon where Faye remained a lifelong member until her passing.

Faye served on the Bethel Stain Glass Committee—illustrating the highlights of Christ's life from His birth to His ascension into heaven. Today we take solace in knowing she ascended to be with her heavenly Father.

Faye also entered Shannon's history books as the first woman entrepreneur by establishing "Faye's Beauty Shop" in the spring of 1946. Faye's endeavor into business is featured in the book, Shannon, Illinois, 150 Years. Faye loved the village of Shannon, and felt connected to its people. Shannon's history was woven into her life.

The annual Labor Day event was the highlight of Faye's year. The parade and its associated festivities gave her an opportunity to relish in Shannon's history and offered her and her family time to visit with friends and relatives who came to share in the activities.

Faye was a loving mother, grandmother and great-grandmother and cherished her time with her family. Her sense of humor and positive attitude will be missed by all. She enjoyed sewing, cooking, reading, music and traveling. She was active in the community and was a participant in the annual Shannon Village Holiday home walk/drive where her Fudge and Divinity quickly sold out because of their high demand.

Faye often traveled to Florida to visit family. She typically brought friends along to enjoy the weather during the winter showing her friends the Florida coast, its great restaurants, and shopping. She enjoyed songs by Tony Bennett and music of that era, attending two of his concerts while there.   Before returning from Florida, Faye was sure to pick up boxes of Florida oranges to share with friends, and pecans for her next batches of fudge and divinity.

Faye is survived by her three sons: Maurice (Donna) Wenzel of Rockledge, FL, Elwyn (Kathy) Wenzel of Port Charlotte, FL, and Kevin (Claudia) Wenzel of Freeport, IL; her five grandchildren Elliot (Jennifer) Wenzel of Everett, WA, Talia Wenzel (Robin Ganguly) of London, UK, Ryan (Carey) Frisbie of McHenry, IL,  Nikolas Wenzel of Park Ridge, IL, and Zachary (Jessica) Wenzel of Chicago, IL; and her great-grandchildren Evelyn, Payton, Lila, Owen, Louisa and Alastor. Special thanks to her loving care givers for their compassion and exemplary care; Linda Ernest and Kathy Frey.

Faye was preceded in death by her parents, Carl and Gladys Schmidt, uncle Herman (Mildred) Henning, sister, Gladys Kampen, and husband, Robert "Bud" Wenzel.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, November 9, 2019 at Bethel United Methodist Church of Shannon, 217 S. Hickory St. Shannon, IL 61078 at 11:00AM. A visitation will also take place at the church on Saturday, November 9, 2019 from 10:00 until the time of the service.  Please join the family for a luncheon following the service at the church.  A private burial will be held after the luncheon.  A memorial fund has been established.  Condolences may be shared with her family at www.hermannfurneralhome.com .