Martha Ann Winzeler

East Peoria – Martha A. Winzeler, age 72, of East Peoria, Ill., died Tuesday, October 1, 2013 at her home in East Peoria. She was born in East St. Louis, Ill., the daughter of Oscar and Gladys (Lloyd) Winter. She grew up in Belleville Ill. and graduated from Belleville Township High School. She graduated from Illinois State Normal University in 1963 with a degree of Bachelor of Science in Education and started her teaching career at Pekin High School. She continued her teaching career at East Peoria Community High School from 1965 to 1971 while earning the Master of Science degree from Illinois State University in 1970. In 1988 through 2003 she reentered the teaching field as an English teacher at Illinois Central College. She married James Winzeler on July 13, 1968 and became a Mother and homemaker raising a daughter Stephanie and son Loren. In her later years, she was a member of Peoria Area Miniature Society, the Peoria Area Stitchers’ Guild, American Needlepoint Guild, NEA (teachers union), and Riverside Community Church. In her earlier years she skied, taught a high school Sunday school class, was a Girl Scout leader, was active in Women’s Aglow, and taught vacation bible school. She enjoyed her bible studies, stitching, Hosta garden, flowers, travels, and building miniatures until she started her fight for life against cancer. She is survived by her husband, James Winzeler of East Peoria, Ill., Stephanie Wiley and her husband Nathan along with grandchildren Trevor and Samuel of Indianapolis, Indiana, Loren Winzeler and his wife Kimberly along with grandchildren Evan and Catlin of Petaluma, California, and her brother Lester Winter and wife Susan of O’Fallon, Ill. Martha’s family wishes to thank her fellow church family, the cell group, stitching friends, and the many friends she had that encouraged her along life’s way plus the staff at Illinois Cancer Care. Services will be at 11 am Saturday, October 5, 2013 at Riverside Community Church in Peoria. Visitation will be from 9-11 am Saturday at the church. Cremation rites will be accorded following the funeral. Deiters Funeral Home and Crematory is assisting the family with arrangements.

Martha Ann Winzeler

August 2, 1941 - October 1, 2013