Blanche Troxel

Blanche Troxel, age 96, passed away Monday, September 23rd, 2013 at her home in Elgin. Lovingly known by all as “Gram”, she was born a farm girl on May 1st, 1917 in Gettysburg Ohio, the daughter of Melvin and Grace Reck. One of 6 siblings, her relatively normal early years were suddenly shattered one afternoon at the county band festival when she met a nerdy looking boy named Bob Troxel. At first she thought him silly for forgetting his instrument at home, but his charms won her over and a wedding followed. Bob’s work took the couple to Chicago and 1940 brought the first of 3 daughters, Linda. Cherri and Sheila were born soon after and the family moved to Elmhurst. Over the years Blanche dealt with many of Bob’s wacky capers and strange sense of humor, which undoubtedly was the source of her amazing strength and perseverance. The early 60's brought a move to Villa Park and the grandkids started coming fast. Starting in 1965 with Robert, then Greg, Carrie, Steve, Dan and Jorie, this is where the legend that would become “Gram” began. Crazy New Year’s Eve parties, lake bashes, birthday parades and Christmas day open houses were the norm; everyone wanted to hang out at Bob and Blanche’s. In 1988, years of medical problems caught up with Bob, and Blanche was alone. But she did NOT quit life. She went to work at the Villa Park Library, volunteered with Elgin Community Theater and Meals on Wheels. In 1999 she moved to Sun City in Huntley, where she kept herself busy working at the community desk and the business office as well as meeting wonderful neighbors. Also during this time, the grandkids became an afterthought as attention was given to the GREAT-grandkids; David, Becky, Shane, Payton, Josh, Michael, Owen and Justis. In addition, Blanche’s circle of friends grew bigger as everyone who met her came to love her. A final move to the Greens of Elgin set her up for the end, and finally after 96 incredible years, her body gave up. Her most fevered wish, to not become old and infirmed, was gracefully sidestepped. She is survived by all her family except Bob, and the Gram-sized hole in our hearts will never be filled. A private celebration of her life will be held Saturday.