William E. Wenszell

Wenszell, William E.

Beloved husband, father and grandfather. Passed away on August 16th after a valiant battle with cancer. He was born August 10, 1937 in Racine, WI to William J. and Verna B (Sommers) Wenszell, an only child. He married Gwendolynn Culver June 18, 1960 in Racine and moved to Appleton. His family was complete with a daughter, Dawn and a son, James.
Raised in Racine, he graduated from Washington Park High School. He attended Milwaukee School of Engineering, and received his degree in l959. Bill was employed by Lofte and Fredrickson, Inc. for 17 years and at Johnson Controls, Inc. for 20 years, retiring as an account executive in 1996. He was a registered professional engineer and a life member of ASHRAE. After retirement he was a consultant to Lawrence University.
Bill enjoyed being a dad and “Papa” to his only Grandchild, Annalise. He was the kind of father who loved being involved in his kids lives, whether it be building a tree house, making snow forts, putting together a swing set, fishing, camping, or creating a great Halloween party. In later years Bill helped with countless home improvement projects on his daughter and son-in law’s 100-year-old house.
A man of many interests starting as a youngster with Model Railroading, which he continued up until last Christmas with a model town set-up under the Christmas tree. He enjoyed photography and could be seen on vacations with a camera around his neck. He loved the family camping trips in the Rocky Mountains, the Canadian Rockies, Yellowstone and The Grand Tetons. He and Gwen loved to travel. His favorite destinations were Norway, Denmark, Hawaii and Disney World. They also visited Australia, New Zealand, Great Britain and Ireland. They took many camping trips around the United States. He was a certified SCUBA diver, diving in Maui and the Great Barrier Reef in Australia.
The principles of Freemasonry guided Bill’s life. He started as a DeMolay, and in 1956 was awarded the first “Outstanding DeMolay of the Year in the State of Wisconsin”. He was also received the Chevalier and Legion of Honor awards. He was a member of Racine-Belle City Lodge #18. His passion was Scottish Rite Masonry. He served as Commander-in-Chief and other offices as well as being co-director of the work in Green Bay. He was honored to become a 33rd Degree Mason in 1993. He was a charter member of Beja Shrine and proud to serve as Potentate in 2005.
An active member of Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church, he served on the Long Range Planning Committee and as President of the church council for 7 years. As Chairman of the Building Committee he supervised the day-by-day construction of the new church, which was completed in 1998.
Bill was an honorable, honest, hard-working man of his word. All who knew him respected him. He enjoyed organizing events and seeing them to fruition, i.e. planning a vacation, organizing a Scottish Rite reunion, tackling many home projects, or preparing for his year as Potentate of Beja Shrine.
Bill is survived by his wife of 47 years, Gwen, a daughter Dawn Marie Ross (James) of Milwaukee, a granddaughter, Annalise, a favorite cousin, Nancy Balcer of Racine, WI and other cousins. He is further survived by many friends. His parents, a son James in 1985, in-laws Russell and Marion Culver, a brother-in-law Jim and several aunts and uncles preceded him in death.
Memorial services will be held at Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church, 3009 N Meade St. Appleton, on Wednesday, August 22 at 11:30 a.m. Rev. Dennis Ellisen and Rev. Todd Smith will officiate. Visitation will be from 9:30 am until time of services. Masonic Service and the “Rose and Salt” service for departed 33 degree Masons will be held at 7:00 pm, Tuesday, August 21, 2007, at the church with visitation preceding at 5:00 p.m. His cremains will be buried next to his son in Riverside Cemetery.

Bill’s family thanks the staffs of Cherry Meadows, the Martha Siekman Oncology Center, and the AMC Oncology Wing for their loving care.

In lieu of flowers donations to Scottish Rite Foundation, Beja Shrine Foundation, Shriners Hospitals for Children, Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church Foundation or a charity of your choice would be appreciated.

“We traveled the World together, you and I, and now the Universe awaits us. Until we meet again. Good Night and Sweet Dreams. I love you forever.”

WICHMANN FUNERAL HOME
537 North Superior Street
Appleton 920-739-1231
www.wichmannfuneralhomes.com