Born in Hesse-Cassel (Fulda, Hessen) according to the 1880 census data. Lived in Arenzville. Was cared for in the home of her daughter, Emma Katherina Wankel-Kuechler, of Rushville, IL - after the death of her husband, Franz Peter Wankel. She was an 'invalide' and blind all her life (per death certificate). Died in Rushville, buried in Arenzville. Full name was: Anna-Marie Adelheid Hamm-Wankel. Used the nickname "Addie" (Adelheid). She is related to the Hamm, Cire, and Lovekamp families of Arenzville, IL - through the "Anna Katharina Hamm-Cire (Johann Ludwig Cire)" marriage and family connection. Anna Katharina Hamm was her sister. US Census records state that she was born in 1822. Schuyler Co. IL death record: No. 1033 Name: Adelheid Wankel, Age: 78y 5m, Death: 14 Feb. 1902 Rushville, Burial: Arenzville, Cass Co., Ill.

Mother of: George Wankel (1845-1866) [never married]; Adelia Wankel-Kraft (1846-1933) [married William Kraft]; Peter Wankel Jr. (1848-1848) [died in infancy]; Emma Katherine Wankel-Kuechler (1880-1939) [married: Edward Ernest Kuechler]; Theresa Lenore Wankel-Riemann (1852-1929) [married Francis Henry Riemann (d.1924)]; Anna Wankel-Adleman (1854-1879) [married Alfred Adelman]; Peter Frank Wankel (1856-1951) [married: Ellen Anna Marie Steinkuehler (1860-1932)]; Lena Wankel (1858-1944) [never married]; Friedrich "Fred" Wankel (1860-1943) [married: "Ollie"]; "Jennie" M. Wankel-Reichert (1862-1947) [married: Charles S. Reichert (d.1947)]; Rhinholdt "Riney" E. Wankel (1864-1950) [married: Mae Bingham (d.1947)]; Richard Wankel "Dick" (1865-1951) [never married]; George Wankel (1869-1945) [married: Jennifer Lee Eads (1847-1955)]. See online genealogy created by Robert C. Kuhmann, at www.KUHMANN.com

Her sister and brother-in-law are also buried in Arenzville East Cemetery, Cass Co, Arenzville IL:
John Ludovicus Cire #27532243
Anna Katharine Hamm-Cire #27532114
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[TRANSCIPTION OF THE OBITUARY]

In Memoriam

MRS. ADELHEID WANKEL
The death of Mrs. Adelheid Wankel occurred in this city Friday morning, Feb. 14, at 11:35, at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Edward Kuechler, after a long period of suffering from rheumatism. Adelheid Hamm was born Sept. 28th 1823, in Fulda, Hesse Nassau, Germany. In 1844, on March 6th Miss Hamm was united in marriage with Peter Wankel at the childhood home, Germany. After a few months they started on their trip across the Ocean with a number of acquaintances who sought their fortune in this country. They landed at New York from whence they came to Arenzville, Cass county, and began housekeeping. They resided most all of their time in and near Cass county. There they reared a family of children, eleven of which are living, and two dead - seven sons and six daughters, namely: Mrs. Theresa Rieman, of Meredosia; Mrs. Adelia Kraft of Arenzville; Mrs. Jennie Reichert, of Pleasant Plains; Mrs. Anna Adelman and Fred Wankel, of Ashland; Riney Wankel of Virginia; George, Peter, Richard and Lena Wankel, of Philadelphia; and Mrs. Emma Kuechler, of Rushville; two sons dying while young. All the sons and daughters are married with families, except Richard and Lena, who are single. Mrs. Wankel is the last one to depart of two brothers and five sisters. While In their native land Mr. and Mrs. Wankel held church membership In the German Church, and since coming to this country she was more or less affiliated with the German M. E. Church wherever they could attend. About twenty-two years ago she became afflicted with muscular rheumatism, which constantly crippled her for the rest of her life. Grandma became almost helpless and an invalid the last fifteen years, but she was so patient and bore her suffering leaving it to the Lord to relieve her. She was so tenderly cared for by her sons and daughters, as any mother could be; and in them was all her joy and delight. About eight mouths ago she came to Rushville and made her home with her daughter. For a time grandma began to fail very rapidly, and a fortnight ago her condition became alarming, so her sons and daughters were summoned; and on Friday she became somewhat cheerful only to pass into the other world with these words on her lips, "O Jesus, Dear Jesus." Mr. Wankel died Dec. 9, 1894, at the age of 83, in Virginia, Ill. It was always grandma's delight to see her grand-children, of whom she left thirty-six, and five great-grand-children. But grandma could not stay with us always, so had to give her up when the Lord called her. A brief funeral service was held Sunday afternoon at 4 o'clock, conducted by Rev. J. R. Van Pelt, at the home of Mr. Kuechler. The remains were taken to Arenzville, Monday morning, where funeral services were held in the M. E. church, conducted by Rev. Linker. The remains were laid to rest beside her husband in Arenzville cemetery.

"Pale withered hands that for many years Had wrought for others, soothed the hurt of tears, Rocked children's cradles, eased the fever's smart. Dropped tenderest balm in many an aching heart, Now calmly folded, like rose leaves pressed, Above the snow and silence of her breast. In mute appeal they tell of labors done. And well-earned rest that came with set of sun. 'Tis hard to break the tender cord, When love has bound the heart; "We must forever part." Dearest loved one, we must lay thee, In the peaceful grave's embrace. But thy memory will be cherished 'Til we see thy heavenly face. K.