Obituary of Hannelore McFarlin

HANNELORE (Gramlich) McFARLIN passed away peacefully at home on January 21, 2021 at the age of 79 after a long battle with lung cancer. Hannelore was born on October 23, 1941 in Dachau, Bavaria, Germany. She married her life partner, Richard McFarlin in Dachau in October 1966. She became an American Citizen in 2005. She was a beautiful and wonderful wife, partner in life, mother, and grandmother. She was happiest spending time with family and would not miss an opportunity to be with her grandchildren especially to pass on Bavarian traditions. She is survived by her loving husband of 54 years Richard B. McFarlin, son Steven R. McFarlin (Suzanne), and grandchildren Claire (12) and Tommy (12) McFarlin who affectionately called her "Oma". In Germany, Sister Helga Sandau the late Harald Sandau and many nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her Father Johann (Hans) Gramlich, (killed during WWII), step-father Albin Fischer, mother Maria Gramlich Fischer, and her Brother Heinz Gramlich and wife Waltraud. After finishing school in Munich, Germany she worked for the Bayerische Landesbank.in Munich, Germany where she worked in the foreign currency exchanges department. After settling in Beach Park, she worked at Waukegan High School for 15 years. She was actively involved with her community mostly through Our Lady of Humility Church. She was a member of the Women's Club, Treasurer for the Bingo Teams, Helping Hands of Our Lady Committee, and helping with the Knights of Columbus Oktoberfest in particular preparing the sauerkraut. In her spare time, she tended an amazing garden, and was an excellent cook of German cuisine. As members of various senior travel groups she and Richard explored the world from Europe to Australia and New Zealand. Shortly after they were married, Richard was assigned to Vietnam, she returned home in Germany. When he was able to go on R&R, she flew half halfway around the world to meet him in Hawaii. She was a big assistance to Richard as they together organized and escorted people on many trips to see live musical performances at the Fireside Theater in Fort Atkinson, Wisconsin. She made many friends along the way. Visitation will be held Saturday, January 30, 2021, 9:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. at Congdon & Company Funeral Home, 3012 Sheridan Road, Zion, IL 60099. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 12:30 p.m., Saturday, January 30, 2021 at Our Lady of Humility Church, 10655 W Wadsworth Road, Beach Park, IL 60099. A private interment will be at Southern Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Cemetery, Union Grove, Wisconsin. In lieu of flowers, please send a charitable gift to Our Lady of Humility School www.givecentral.org/location/295/event/14162.