By Jim Meridith
Posted: Updated:
15 Comments
  • Visitation

    Friday, March 7, 2025

    4:00 to 8:00 pm

    Saturday, March 8, 2025

    9:00 to 10:00 am

    St. Joseph Catholic Church, Lebanon, IL

  • Service

    Mass of Christian Burial:

    Saturday, March 8, 2025

    10:00 am

    St. Joseph Catholic Church, Lebanon, IL

  • Full Obituary

    Wendy N. Wilhelm, 60, of rural Lebanon, IL, passed away on Monday, March 3, 2025, at home, surrounded by her family.

    She was born on January 3, 1965, in Belleville, IL, to Willis “Eyvan” and Mary Ann (nee Helenihi) Baer. On September 20, 1986, she married Paul Wilhelm at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Lebanon, IL.

    Wendy was very proud to be the fifth generation to live on the Baer family farm where she spent the majority of her life. She was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church and worked as a parish secretary for 15 years. For many years, Wendy served as Lebanon Township Clerk. Her faith in Christ was deep and was nourished through daily personal devotion time and Bible readings. Family genealogical research was one of her favorite pastimes. She was also an avid St. Louis Cardinals fan and enjoyed reading. Most of all, Wendy loved her family, the family dinners they shared, spoiling her grandkids, and her dog, Ellie.

    She was preceded in death by her parents, Willis “Eyvan” and Mary Ann Baer; stepmother, Doris Baer; siblings, Eric Baer and Baby Girl Baer, who passed at birth; nephew, Andrew Baer; father and mother-in-law, Gene and Rita Wilhelm; and sister-in-law, Helen Andersen.

    Wendy is survived by her husband of 38 years, Paul Wilhelm, Lebanon, IL; daughters, Laura (Mitchell) Arnold, Lebanon, IL, and Jenna (Christian) Jaunich, Kennebunk, ME; grandchildren, Wade Arnold and Madelyn Arnold; brothers, Larry (Linda) Baer, Divernon, IL, Scott Baer, O’Fallon, IL, and Robert (Jane) Baer, Lexington, VA; brothers and sisters-in-law, Arlene Baer, David Wilhelm, Thomas (Joan) Wilhelm, Ann (Rollie Thouvenot) Hammer, Michael Andersen, Jane (Marc Ginsburg) Crabtree, John (Kelly) Wilhelm, Mary (Michael) Matteson, Robert (Jane) Wilhelm, Daniel (Christine) Wilhelm, Peter (Jasna) Wilhelm, Mark (Lelani) Wilhelm, and Edward (Ericka Havecker) Wilhelm; cousins, Curtis Baer, Kris Carriger, and numerous other cousins; and a multitude of nieces and nephews.

    Memorial donations may be made to the American Diabetes Association or to National Kidney Foundation.

    Visitation: Friday, March 7, 2025, from 4:00 to 8:00 pm, and Saturday, March 8, 2025, from 9:00 to 10:00 am, at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Lebanon, IL

    Mass of Christian Burial: Saturday, March 8, 2025, 10:00 am, at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Lebanon, IL

    Clergy: Fr. Paul Wienhoff and Fr. Gene Neff

    Interment: Summerfield Cemetery, Summerfield, IL

    Meridith Funeral Home, Lebanon, IL

Condolences are reviewed and published within 24 hours.

15 Condolences
 
  1. Ann Marie Vandeloo / March 5, 2025 at 12:23 pm

    Wendy was such a gentle person. She loved her family so much. Her compassion will live on in her family. A soul lost way too soon. May she rest in peace and perpetual light shine upon her.

  2. Hortensia Valladares / March 5, 2025 at 12:25 pm

    Laura,

    May your dear mom rest in peace. We pray for peace and comfort for the family during this difficult time.

    Hugs and blessings,

    Tito and Titi Valladares

  3. Lynn Gale / March 5, 2025 at 1:22 pm

    Paul, Laura, Jenna and family. We are so sorry to hear of Wendy’s passing. She was a wonderful person and friend and mother. May she rest in joy with Christ. Lynn & Rick Gale

  4. Christine Gray / March 5, 2025 at 2:13 pm

    Oh my gosh, so sorry to hear of Wendy’s passing. She was a wonderful person who was taken much too soon. I won’t be able to attend the services but you will all be in my thoughts and prayers.

    With much love,
    Chris Gray

  5. Kalani Baer / March 5, 2025 at 3:12 pm

    She will be deeply missed. Proud that she was my aunt and always made me feel safe and loved. I cherished listening to her stories about the farm and family. I admire that she was willing to share and be honest about her experiences…I know she will be watching over us.

  6. Rebecca / March 5, 2025 at 3:19 pm

    I am so sorry for your loss. While I didn’t know Wendy, by knowing Jenna I can only imagine the strong, smart, funny and compassionate woman she must have been. I hope you find some peace in her memory.

  7. Mary Strang / March 5, 2025 at 3:23 pm

    Paul, Laura, Jenna and family, I am so very sorry to hear of Wendy’s passing. She was always so kind and gracious and I valued her friendship. May you find comfort together as a family and in your wonderful memories. May she rest in peace and in the loving arms of our Savior. Mary Strang

  8. Teresa Rogers / March 5, 2025 at 5:39 pm

    Laura, Though I never had the pleasure of knowing your mother well, I HAVE had the pleasure of knowing you. Any human being who possesses the amount of love, talent, and grace that you do is someone raised by a truly speciaI mother. I’ve been blessed enough to see the love of God in you and in your children. Wade has a soul that scrapes the clouds just below heaven. He speaks of Jesus like he is a friend he has known his whole life. I know your mother was a holy woman and you have passed that most special gift on. While my heart breaks for you and an absence that cannot be replaced, we know her soul rests with the Lord. Your family, through the gift of prayer, will always her near. In that, I hope you are able to find peace. Xoxo

  9. Gloria Santel / March 5, 2025 at 6:21 pm

    Wendy is a wonderful lady. She will be greatly missed. I have a lot of fond memories of our times being part of the PTA at Summerfield Grade School. And many other things we did together.
    Laura you and your family are in my thoughts and in my prayers. May Wendy RIP. God Bless.

  10. Renee / March 6, 2025 at 10:40 am

    To the WILHELM FAMILY in their time of grief, I’m truly sorry for your loss. May ‘God’ give you comfort during this most difficult time. And visit our website at JW.org and look for the video, ” Comfort for Those Who Mourn.”

  11. Georgia Steward / March 6, 2025 at 3:17 pm

    My condolences to Paul and family. Wendy always had a smile. She helped me so much when Suzie and I were counting at St Joseph. I felt so comfortable when she was there. She had so much patience. She.will truly be missed. God bless. May she Rest in peace.

    Georgia Steward

  12. Wayne Loehring / March 7, 2025 at 8:17 am

    My deepest sympathies are extended to Paul, all Wilhelm and Baer family members, and friends. Wendy touched so many people in so many ways. I always enjoyed her cheerful presence in my classroom. She was a wonderful student and ardent supporter of Lebanon High School sports. She had her Mother’s smile and her Dad’s great sense of humor. Rest in Peace my dear friend.

  13. Sister Janet / March 8, 2025 at 3:05 pm

    Dear Paul, Laura and Jenna,
    My deepest sympathy to you at the passing of beautiful Wendy. I am so privileged to e a cousin of yours.
    I keep you in prayer often. I am sorry I could not be at the wake or funeral. You and she are often in my prayers and thoughts.
    Sister Janet Marie Wilhelm, A.S.C.

    i

  14. Lynn Cornelll / March 10, 2025 at 10:40 am

    Dear Paul and Family,
    I just heard about Wendy and I am so sorry to hear about your loss. I send you and your family my love and prayers. I didn’t know Wendy but I know you, Robert and your brothers.
    Love and prayers,
    Lynn Cornell

  15. Rachel Pehle / March 10, 2025 at 12:48 pm

    Wishing you all peace in your grief; Wendy was a kind soul with a ready smile, infectious laugh, and generous heart. May your memories of her and the prayers and well-wishes of all who loved her be of comfort to you!

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