Suzanne Marie Wendelberger Obituary
Suzanne "Sue" Marie Wendelberger, née Abel, entered eternal life on September 18, 2025, at the age of 91.
Born November 26, 1933, in Oconomowoc, Wisconsin, Sue was lovingly given in adoption to Walter J. and Eleanore V. Abel by her birth mother, Mary Rubeck. She grew up in Wauwatosa, where she attended St. Jude's Grade School, Holy Angels High School, and Marquette University.
It was at Marquette in 1953 that Sue met the love of her life, Charles Wendelberger, through mutual friends at the Marquette Union. They were united in marriage on June 9, 1956, at St. Jude's in Wauwatosa, a day Sue fondly remembered as the church's final Mass before its demolition.
Sue began her career as a secretary at Prospect Hall and later at Roger Murphy Insurance. In 1957 she embraced her most treasured role as mother and homemaker, a vocation she cherished throughout her life. She and Chuck made their home in Wauwatosa and spent summers at Lake Amy Belle in Hubertus, where they built their dream home in 1980. In January 2024, they moved together to Fairway Knoll in Germantown.
Sue was the consummate homemaker, known for her sewing, cooking, and especially her Christmas Stollen. A talented pianist, she filled her home with music. She was an active member and volunteer at St. Pius X Church and School, and an honorary member of the 20th Century Topic Club and Inner Wheel. In her later years, she was a member of St. Boniface Catholic Church in Germantown. She and Chuck enjoyed many winters in Palm Springs, California, traveled widely, and were devoted Marquette basketball fans, celebrating in person at the 1977 NCAA Championship game.
She was preceded in death by her parents Walter J. and Eleanore Abel, her birth mother Mary Rubeck, her brother David Abel, her mother in law Eleanor Wendelberger, and many brothers and sisters in law.
Sue is survived by her loving husband of 69 years, Charles Wendelberger; her sister Jean (Ray) Nelson; her children Deb (Dave) Johnson, Bob (Susanne) Wendelberger, Kathryn (Larry) Devine, Paul (Pam) Wendelberger, and Beth (Mike) Hermann; her grandchildren Elly Johnson; Becky Johnson; Sam Johnson; Charlie Wendelberger; Megan (Joe) Henkle; Ryan (Kayla Marquardt) Morris; Kelly (Dan) Rogutich; Kevin Devine; Amy (Tim Lieb) Devine; Nicole (Austin) Branham; Drew (Anna McGillivray) Wendelberger; Hans (Amy) Hermann; Paul Hermann; Mark (Baye) Hermann; and Anna (Adam Snyder) Hermann; and her great-grandchildren Rory Rogutich, Mila Rogutich, and Walter Hermann. She is further survived by her brother- and sister-in-law John and Mary Jane Wendelberger, along with many nieces, nephews, and friends.
The family extends heartfelt gratitude to Karri Topp for her compassionate care, and to the staff of Arbor Memory Care and Fairway Knoll for their kindness during Sue's final years.
Visitation will be held on Saturday, September 27, 2025, from 10:00 AM to 11:30 AM at St. Boniface Catholic Church in Germantown, followed by the Mass of Christian Burial at 11:30 AM. Interment will take place at Holy Cross Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Divine Savior Holy Angels High School, or Camp Minikani in Hubertus, WI.
