Rosemarie C. Wendler nee Zeppetella, age 81 of Highland, IL, died Friday, January 19, 2024, at Saint Joseph’s Hospital in Highland, IL.
She was born on Wednesday, September 16, 1942, in Chicago, IL, the daughter of Michael and Catherine (nee Saputo) Zeppetella.
She was a member of St. Paul Catholic Church, Highland, IL.
Mrs. Wendler was born in Chicago, as a child her family moved to St. Louis. The family operated a Market and Restaurant there. The family moved to Worden, IL and operated Kate’s restaurant at the Worden “Y”. In the late 1950’s they opened Zeppetella’s Restaurant in Collinsville, IL. After her marriage, Rosemarie moved to Grantfork,IL where she reared her family. In the early 1960’s she attended beauty college and was a hairdresser in Collinsville, IL. She later worked in the healthcare field as a CNA and in her retirement, was a bus driver for several years. As an avid bowler, she won a number of awards. She also enjoyed Bingo and Canasta. As a pet owner, she was a advocate for animal rights. “Always there for family & friends… Always left a favorable impression on people she met”.
Survivors include:
Son – Alan M. (Christine “Chris”) Wendler, Highland, IL
Daughter – Catherine “Cathy” M. Schwarztrauber, Mascoutah, IL
Daughter – Christina M. Grieve, Highland, IL
Grandchild – Shanna M. Wendler, Highland, IL
Grandchild – Katie L. Wendler, Riverton, IL
Grandchild – Taylor R. (Tyler) Carter, Greenville, IL
Grandchild – Erin N. (Matthew) Vaught, Edwardsville, IL
Grandchild – Erica D. Schwarztrauber, Mascoutah, IL
Grandchild – Jordan M. Grieve, Highland, IL
Grandchild – Jenna M. Grieve, Highland, IL
Great Grandchild – Nolan M. Vaught, Edwardsville, IL
Great Grandchild – Lennon O. Vaught, Edwardsville, IL
Great Grandchild – Teagan C. Carter, Greenville, IL.
She was preceded in death by:
Father – Michael P. Zeppetella – Died 6/20/1988
Mother – Catherine Marie Zeppetella (nee Saputo) Died: 10/21/13
Former Husband – Donald R. Wendler – Died 2/02/2020
Brother – Anthony M. Zeppetella – Died 4/19/1969.
Arrangements are being handled by Spengel-Boulanger Funeral Home in Highland, IL.
Visitation will be held from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM on Wednesday, January 24, 2024, at Spengel-Boulanger Funeral Home in Highland, IL and from 9:00 AM to 10:00 AM on Thursday, January 25, 2024, at Spengel-Boulanger Funeral Home in Highland, IL.
Funeral Service will be at 10:00 AM on Thursday, January 25, 2024, at Spengel-Boulanger Funeral Home in Highland, IL, with Rev. Fr. Pat G. Jakel, Pastor, St. Paul Catholic Church, officiating.
Interment will be at Saint Peter and Paul Catholic Cemetery in Collinsville, IL.
Memorial contributions may be made to Metro East Humane Society – Highland.
