Search by Name

Search by Name

Thomas Wenzlau Obituary

Wenzlau
THOMAS E WENZLAU
March 31,1927 August 1, 2018
Dr. Thomas E. Wenzlau, 91, passed away last week in Colorado Springs, after a long and exceptional life. Thomas was born in Troy, Ohio to Charles Norman and Alice Kessler Wenzlau, and grew up in nearby Tipp City. He briefly served in the Navy, graduated Phi Beta Kappa from Ohio Wesleyan University, earned his Masters of Art and doctorate in economics from the University of Illinois, and was awarded an Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters from Aoyama Gakuin University in Tokyo, Japan.
He made a career in higher education, teaching economics at , Wesleyan University, Kenyon Coll-ege, Michigan State, and as tenured Professor at Lawrence University, where he also served as Associate Dean of Faculty. He spent a year in Lahore, Pakistan as a Fulbright Lecturer at the Civil Service Academy and Forman Christian College. He served as President of Ohio Wesleyan (1969-1984), and later as Vice- President and Treasurer of Colorado College. While at Ohio Wesleyan he, along with other educators, helped to establish the need-based system of grants and funding for students to pay for higher education, used in the United States today.
He was a loving husband, married to Nancy Allen Wenzlau for 68 years, who preceded him in death in June. Also preceding him in death was his bro-ther Navy CDR Charles Norman Wenzlau II. He is survived by his four children, Scott, David, Katherine (Ken) and Janet, and grandchildren, Dylan, Konor, Kameron, and Katherine Eva, all of whom he adored.
He was very much into sports, playing football, basketball, and track in college, and later squash and tennis. He loved to sail, fish, water and snow ski, and swim. He and Nancy travelled the world together to Africa, Asia, Europe, South America, and the Caribbean the U.S. and Canada every summer.
He was a member of the First Congregational Church in Colorado Springs, active in dis-cussion groups and enjoyed the Symphony. He was truly blessed with a long and mostly healthy life, he leaves behind many friends and family, and he will be dearly missed. A service will be scheduled at a later date.

Published by The Gazette on Aug. 10, 2018.
34465541-95D0-45B0-BEEB-B9E0361A315A

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Memories and Condolences
for Thomas Wenzlau

Not sure what to say?





0 Entries

Be the first to post a memory or condolences.

Make a Donation
in Thomas Wenzlau's name

Memorial Events
for Thomas Wenzlau

To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

How to support Thomas's loved ones
Commemorate a cherished Veteran with a special tribute of Taps at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor Thomas Wenzlau's life and legacy
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more