Dick Wenzel, 88

Richard A. “Dick” Wenzel, age 88, of Portage, and a lifelong Sturgis resident, went to heaven late Friday evening, March 19, 2021, in the loving care of his family and Dear Country Adult Foster Care in Burr Oak. Dick was born April 6, 1932, in Sturgis, a son of the late Richard G. and H. Irene (Milliman) Wenzel. Dick lived all of his life in Sturgis until recently moving to Portage to be closer to family. He graduated from Sturgis High School in 1950.
Dick was a family man who genuinely enjoyed getting to know everyone he met. He was good at giving good practical life advice and sharing stories. He had a big heart and a wonderful smile.
In 1952, Dick enlisted in the U.S. Army. He was stationed in Frankfurt, Germany, where he was responsible for security of the IG Farben Building, informally referred to as the Pentagon of Europe. During off-duty time, Dick and his best buddy Julius Hartman would go skiing in The Alps and explore.
Dick and his father were instrumental in building the “new” (current) Holy Angels Catholic Church in Sturgis, which was completed in May 1956. On June 2, 1956, he married the love of his life, Loyce H. Gilreath of White Pigeon, daughter of Henry Victor and Frances Jane Gilreath. This summer would mark their 65th wedding anniversary. They were inseparable and enjoyed life adventures together. Dick will long be remembered for his entrepreneurial spirit, tireless work ethic and always putting the client and others first. He set an example of the value of trust and service, and enjoyed watching and helping his children flourish. Always one to ask about current ventures.
As a young man, Dick loved working on the Wenzel Centennial Family Farm alongside his cousins and brothers. Most of Dick’s working life was in the construction industry. He had been employed by the Citizens Lumber and Coal Company, a major home builder in its day. He then ventured on his own, starting Wenzel Roofing and Home Improvement, which he owned and operated for over 40 years. He employed many over the years and each employee became like family.
Dick took pride in building the family home on Wait Road in 1956, which the family lived in for over 60 years. Over 20 years ago, Dick and Loyce began part-time residence on a lake in Portage, where they enjoyed relaxing and made home base when attending every family event on the calendar.
Dick served as Sherman Township clerk for more than 30 years, having an open door to new residents in the area registering to vote at his home.
He was a member of Holy Angels Catholic Church in Sturgis and a member of Knights of Columbus, leading the Knights for multiple terms as Grand Knight. During that time, he coordinated memorable events and dinners.
Dick had a forever bond with his wife, Loyce, and together they planned and enjoyed life to the fullest, including raising their family, vacations and home improvement projects. When the family was young, camping, fishing and annual trips to Florida and Tennessee were a normal getaway. They traveled across the United States enjoying the west coast of California and visiting family in Arizona, but favoring lengthy stays along the west coast of Florida. They also traveled abroad several times, always meeting new friends. Family outings, grandchildren school and sports events, a round of golf and Notre Dame football and basketball was a big enjoyment for Dick.
He is survived by his loving and dedicated wife of nearly 65 years, Loyce; four sons, Michael (Debra) Wenzel of Battle Creek, Timothy (Maureen) Wenzel of Portage, Jeffery Wenzel, Jim Sherman of Sturgis and Andrew (Tamela) Wenzel of Kalamazoo; 11 grandchildren, Sarah (Travis) Beuchler, Bethany (Dustin) Wilk and Meghan (Jacob) Smith Wenzel, Samantha (Nathan) Wenzel, Joseph Wenzel, Jessica Wenzel, Chase (Traci) Wenzel, Tyler Wenzel, Maggie Wenzel, Evan Wenzel, and Eric Wenzel; eight great-grandchildren, Baylee, Ireland, Brecken, Michael Noah, Asher, Jacob, Quinn and Tanner; a brother, Thomas (Tina) Wenzel of Mendon; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; a daughter at birth (Baby Jane Helen); sister Marilyn and brother Robert.  The family will receive friends from 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday at Holy Angels Catholic Church, 402 S. Nottawa St., Sturgis. The Most Holy Rosary of the Blessed Virgin Mary will be prayed at 7 p.m. Thursday at the church.
The Funeral Mass celebrating the life of Richard A. Wenzel will begin at 11 a.m. Friday at Holy Angels Catholic Church. The Rev. Father Andrew Raczkowski will officiate. A graveside committal will follow Mass at Oak Lawn Cemetery in Sturgis, where full military honors will be conferred by Captain John J. Kelley Post #1355 VFW and the U.S. Army Honor Guard. Hackman Family Funeral Homes of Sturgis is entrusted with the arrangements.
The family is so grateful to the kind and loving caregivers Karen, Dennette, Lisa, Paula and all of the staff at Dear Country AFC. The family suggests those wishing to make a memorial donation in Mr. Wenzel’s memory consider Dear Country AFC, 31550 Townline Road, Burr Oak, MI 49030; Hospice of S.W. Michigan 222 N. Kalamazoo Mall #100, Kalamazoo, MI, 49007; Kindred Hospice 1911 W Centre Ave., Suite 1, Portage, MI, 49024; or the charity of one’s own choice. (He also was a dog lover). His obituary is also at www.hackmanfamilyfuneralhomes.com, where relatives and friends may share memories and leave condolences for the family.