Loretta Marie Weisensell ("Merk") passed away peacefully on October 27, 2014, after a long struggle with dementia and other physical ailments. She is finally together again in heaven with her dear husband, Paul G. Weisensell. Loretta was born in Cleveland, Ohio on July 6, 1920. Her mother, Theresa, died shortly after she was born, and she was raised by her grandparents, Anton and Hannah Merk, who adopted her, in a household that included her cousins, Richard, James and Elsie Merk ("Chiocchio"), all of whom she considered as siblings for the remainder of her life.
She grew up in St. Ignatius Parish on Ignatius Avenue in Cleveland. Her father, Anton, was the caretaker for the parish buildings and grounds. She attended St. Joseph Academy for two years and graduated from St. Stephen Commercial High School.
On November 26, 1942, she married Paul G. Weisensell. While Paul and Loretta knew each from St. Ignatius, they started dating when they went on a double date with another young man and lady. Before the men picked up the women, Loretta told her friend that she was "not getting in the back seat with either of them." The two guys flipped a coin to see who would drive. Paul G. lost the coin toss and ended up driving and the rest is history. By the way, the other couple also married. Loretta and Paul were married for 36 years before his death in 1978.
Loretta worked at Fries & Schuele's Department Store on West 25th Street in Cleveland with her "sister" Elsie. She also worked at the Cleveland Tank Plant during WWII – while Paul served in the U.S. Army in the Battle of the Bulge. She later worked at White Consolidated as a comptroller, and at Harsax Realty. She continued to work, at least part time, well into her 80's at St. Patrick's West Park Credit Union. She was witty and sassy and classy. She was never afraid to speak her mind. She was fiercely independent and continued to live alone until June of 2013. She still had her driver's license and drove to the bank, grocery store, hair dresser, etc. until age 91.
Loretta and Paul adopted two sons – Paul and Jack – who they loved dearly. Loretta continued to love children – especially young children and babies – until the very end. She absolutely loved being a grandmother and adored all of her grandchildren: Jessica, Jason, Jordan, Aaron, and Brian.
Loretta enjoyed being a host and preparing food for and serving it to her friends and family. She enjoyed hosting holiday celebrations which always included lots of shrimp cocktail from Seven Seas on Lorain Avenue in Cleveland. Many have fond memories of time spent in the Weisensell household. Loretta also enjoyed dancing and playing cards. She enjoyed drinking beer and eating potato chips, and also eating ice cream. Loretta was just a pleasure to be around and virtually all of those who met her are glad that she was a part of their lives.
Loretta was preceded in death by her husband, Paul G. Weisensell, her parents, and all of her siblings, as well as her grandson, Aaron Weisensell. She is survived by her two sons, Jack (Barb) Weisensell of Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio, and Paul (Becky) Weisensell of Roanoke, Virginia, grandchildren, Jessica, Jason, Jordan, and Brian Weisensell, two great-grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews.
Loretta's family wishes to extend its heartfelt thanks to the staff and administration at Traditions at Bath aka National Church Residences, and especially those working in the memory care unit there who so thoughtfully and lovingly took care of Loretta for the past year or so.
Friends may call at CHAMBERS FUNERAL HOME of CLEVELAND, 4420 ROCKY RIVER DRIVE AT PURITAS MONDAY, NOVEMBER 10, 2-4 & 6-8 P.M., A Funeral Mass will be held at St. Patrick Church (West Park), 4427 Rocky River Drive, Cleveland, Ohio 44135-2551, at 9:30 AM on Tuesday, November 11, 2014. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made either to: "The Paul and Loretta Weisensell Memorial Scholarship Fund" at St. Edward High School, 13500 Detroit Avenue, Lakewood, Ohio 44107 or to the Alzheimer's Association, 23215 Commerce Park Drive, Suite 300, Beachwood, Ohio 44122-5843.