Thomas "Tom" R. Wenzel

Thomas "Tom" R. Wenzel, 83 year old resident of rural Little Falls, MN passed away Friday, December 15, 2017 at his home in rural Little Falls, MN. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Friday, December 22, 2017 at St. James Catholic Church in Randall, MN with Father Tim Wenzel officiating and Father Jimmy Joseph con-celebrating. Burial will take place in the Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery north of Little Falls, MN. A visitation will be held from 4-8 P.M. on Thursday and from 9:30-11:00 A.M. on Friday at St. James Catholic Church in Randall, MN. Parish prayers will be held at 7:30 P.M. on Thursday evening in the Church. Funeral arrangements are with the Shelley Funeral Chapel in Little Falls, MN. Tom was born on January 4, 1934 on the family farm in Darling Township, the third of 13 children born to Anthony and Anna (Danko) Wenzel. He was baptized at St. James Catholic Church in Randall, MN, where he was a lifelong member. Tom attended grade school in a one-room schoolhouse in District #35 and graduated from Little Falls High School in 1952. Following graduation, he went to work for C.L. Nelson Construction in rural Randall. In 1953 Tom enlisted in the U.S. Army, taking his basic training at Fort Riley, Kansas, followed by two years of active duty in France. Upon his honorable discharge, he resumed working as a heavy equipment operator for C.L. Nelson for 20 years. At that time he proudly took over the family farm; raising hogs, beef cattle, and his famous Wenzel sweetcorn. Tom strongly believed in public service and served on many boards including the Darling Township Board, Randall Co-op Creamery Board, and was a past Post Commander of the Randall VFW Post 9073. His shining achievement was being Morrison County Commissioner from District 1, a position he held for 20 years. On November 23, 1972 Tom was united in marriage to Joy Ann Brecht at St. James Catholic Church in Randall. He was honored to become the father figure to Joy’s four children and they joined him on his family farm. Later they were blessed with two additional children. Tom could often be found driving his gator around the farm, checking on his vegetable garden, tending to his flower gardens, and mowing the lawn. Tom’s family fondly remembers his adoring love for his wife, Joy, and his devotion to immediate and extended family. Also remembered is his sense of humor, humble integrity, common sense, and infectious smile that made everyone feel special. Left to cherish his memory are his wife, Joy; children, Blaine (Gail) Brecht of Baxter, Cathy (Dan) Bygd of New Richmond WI, Steve (Chris) Brecht of Cold Spring, Danny (Jodi) Brecht of Plymouth, Amy (Jason) Opatz of Albany, Mary (Brian) Kalla of Albany, 13 grandchildren and 2 step-grandchildren. Tom will also be dearly missed by his siblings; Beverly LeMieur of Little Falls, Fr. Tim Wenzel of Randall, Tony (Judy) Wenzel of Randall, Kathryn (Danny) Knight of Olivia, Steve Wenzel of Little Falls, Mike Wenzel of Roseville, Jerry (Kathy) Wenzel of Randall, Anne (Ron) Bratton of Rochester and many nieces, nephews and friends. Tom was preceded in death by his parents; Anthony and Anna Wenzel; infant brother, Neil Wenzel; brothers, Larry Wenzel and Kenny Wenzel; sister, Virginia Wenzel; brother-in-law, Kenneth LeMieur and sister-in-law, Jeanette Wenzel.

Tributes

Thomas "Tom" R. Wenzel

January 4, 1934 - December 15, 2017