Gloria Jean Wennerberg Obituary

Gloria Jean Wennerberg, 96, of St. Joseph, went to meet her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Monday, October 19.

Gloria was born September 5, 1930, in Oak Park, Illinois, to Victor & Gertrude (Eichman) Pitlik, joining big sister Dolores Mae.

Gloria graduated from St. Joseph High School in 1948 and continued her education at Concordia Teachers College in River Forest, Illinois. She taught elementary school in Wykoff, Minnesota, and Reed City, Michigan, before marrying Allan “Al” Wennerberg on February 8, 1953, at Trinity Lutheran Church in St. Joseph. Their love story began years earlier, when they were just 13-year-old neighbors and Al delivered the newspaper. Even then, she knew he was the man she was going to marry – a sweet beginning to a lifetime of love. Together, they welcomed two daughters, Kathy and Beth.

Later in life, Gloria worked for more than 26 years as a part-time clerk at Majerek’s Hallmark, where she was much more than a familiar face behind the counter; customers often stopped in simply to visit and chat with her, whether they intended to make a purchase or not. Her warm personality and friendly smile made everyone feel like a friend.

Gloria had a bubbly disposition and a beautiful spirit rooted in her love for God. She loved the outdoors, whether riding her bike with Al, taking walks around the neighborhood, or simply sitting on her porch, enjoying the day and watching the world go by.

Her granddaughters and great-grandchildren brought her immeasurable joy, and her door was always open to them. She never turned down an opportunity to host a sleepover, bake cookies, or play a game. Gloria had a special fondness for teddy bears, and even after she declared that she had enough, her family continued the tradition of gifting her one for her birthday and Christmas. She also had a sweet tooth and could never resist anything chocolate.

One of Gloria’s most treasured habits began when she discovered a daily journal her mother had kept. Inspired, Gloria began keeping a journal of her own, faithfully documenting each day for 28 years – a beautiful record of her life and the memories she made along the way.

Gloria is survived by her daughter, Beth Wallace; granddaughters, Holly (Rob) Harbin and April (Zach) Carson; and four great-grandchildren: Gloria Harbin, and Wyatt, Aubrey, and Courtney Carson. She was preceded in death by her husband Allan in 2016, and her daughter Kathy Maxson in 2020.

A celebration of Gloria’s life will be held at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, October 28, at Starks & Menchinger Chapel, 2650 Niles Rd., St. Joseph, with Pastor Dan Colthorp officiating. Friends may visit with the family beginning at 4:30 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be given to Corewell Health Hospice or Bears in the Air, providing teddy bears to children in area hospitals. Those wishing to sign Gloria’s memory book online may do so at www.starksfamilyfh.com.