Marcella Mae Nadler Becker Wolf (84) of Altamont

Marcella Mae (Nadler-Becker) Wolf, 84, of Altamont, IL passed away peacefully at the Lutheran Care Center in Altamont, IL on Thursday, February 23, 2023 after a long struggle recovering from surgeries.

She was born on Sunday, October 2, 1938 in Clay County, IL, the only child of Louis and Eva Nadler of the Louisville, IL community. She was baptized as an infant at St. Paul's Evangelical Church in rural Louisville, IL. She was confirmed at the same church on May 13, 1961. Marcella married Norman Becker at St. Paul's United Church of Christ in Louisville, IL on May 20, 1962 and he preceded her in death on September 17, 1995, after 33 years of marriage. Soon after their marriage, Marcella’s membership was transferred to Bethlehem Lutheran Church, Altamont, IL by adult confirmation in December 1962. Marcella remained a faithful member of Bethlehem Lutheran since that time. After the death of her husband Norman, Marcella married Alvin J. “A.J.” Wolf on June 6, 1998. “A.J.” was also an active member of Bethlehem Lutheran Church. They enjoyed some travel and close family times before he preceded her in death on May 6, 1999. From 1998-2018, Marcella served faithfully as the Church Secretary/Administrative Assistant for the Bethlehem congregation. Marcella valued her Christian upbringing, and she practiced her faith by being a committed follower of Christ as expressed through her dedicated service in the church throughout her lifetime. Her gracious and understanding ways were greatly appreciated by those she served. She was honored for her 20 years of service at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in February of 2018. Marcella also participated in L.W.M.L. activities and conferences, and she was also active in Bible Studies and Ladies Aid functions. She especially enjoyed participating in the Bethlehem Church Choir, as she loved and appreciated music and Christian worship. As a younger child, she also played the piano. Marcella especially enjoyed square dancing during earlier years. She loved gathering with her friends to play cards and socialize including her McDonald’s groups. Throughout her lifetime Marcella was committed to ongoing interactions with those she loved and cared about. Her faith, family, and friends were the most important highlights in her life. Marcella made and kept a strong circle of friends throughout her entire life. She was always faithful in remembering birthdays and special occasions, and she stayed in consistent and close communication with those she loved. After growing up on a farm in rural Clay County, Marcella graduated from Louisville, IL High School, and soon began her working career as an office manager and receptionist with the Chiropractic Clinic of Dr. Dean Moran in Effingham, IL. During the course of several decades in that profession, patients always appreciated her skills and her dependable, friendly, and caring style. Marcella enjoyed short trips, as well as longer distance adventures and connections with family and friends. Her travels included attending antique car shows, visits to out-of-state family and friends, seeing National and State Parks, tours with local organizations, and a very special tour of Germany in 2008.

Marcella was preceded in death by her parents, Louis and Eva Nadler; and her husband Norman Becker; and her husband, “A.J” Wolf; and her sister-in-law, Elfrieda Becker Zerkel.

She is survived by: her sisters-in-law, Bernice Becker Grobengieser (husband Don) of Altamont and Elaine Becker Fletemeyer (husband John of Grand Junction, CO; brother-in-Law, Ray Zerkel of Olney; step-daughters, Diane Wolf Buzzard (husband Mike) of Altamont and Donna Wolf Parker (husband John) of Altamont; nieces, Lori Grobengieser Sager (husband Steve), and Elise Fletemeyer Starr; nephews, Paul Zerkel (wife Dawn), Jon Zerkel (wife Jane Ann), Loren Zerkel (wife Melissa), Lynn Zerkel (wife Michelle), Tom Grobengieser (wife Nancy), Andy Grobengieser, and Dan Fletemeyer. In addition, 5 step-grandchildren, 4 step great-grandchildren, 5 greatnieces and nephews, and first cousins, Dorothy Bloemker Merry and Garland Bloemker. All of whom had a deep love and respect for her. She will be greatly missed by her many friends and family alike.

A visitation will be held on Tuesday, February 28th, at 4PM--7PM at the Gieseking Funeral Home in Altamont. A funeral service will take place on Wednesday, March 1, at 11:30AM at Bethlehem Lutheran Church with Rev. Marcus Manley officiating and visitation at 11AM. Burial will follow at the Bethlehem Lutheran Church Cemetery directly after the service. Memorial contributions may be made to Bethlehem Lutheran Church, The Lutheran Care Center in Altamont, IL, or donor choice. Online condolences may be expressed by clicking here.