Rolland Wenzel

1934 - 2026

Rolland J. Wenzel

Richville, MI

  Passed away peacefully with family by his side Wednesday afternoon, March 25, 2026, at Covenant Glen of Frankenmuth after a lengthy illness; age 92 years. Rollie was born on January 28, 1934, in Vassar, MI to the late Herman and Ethel (Laking) Wenzel. He resided in Richville for the remainder of his life. He was married to Nancy Abraham on June 25, 1960, at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Frankentrost; she survives him.

  Rollie attended Bay City Central High School, graduating in 1952, and was proud Wolves’ alumnus and a standout athlete in track and field. A talented artist, he attended Meisinger School of Art, earning a degree in commercial art. He went on to work for Bronner Display & Sign Advertising, and he created numerous pen and ink, charcoal, and watercolor paintings of Richville landmarks and St. Michael’s churches. 

  Rollie honorably served in the U.S Army during the Korean War, leaving the military with the rank of Staff Sergeant. He served overseas 1955-56 stayed in the Army Reserves until 1962. He was employed by Sears & Roebuck in management for 40 years. He was a member of St. Michael’s Lutheran Church in Richville and was an Elder, Head Usher, a key member of the 150th and 160th anniversary committee at the church, a founding member of the Vassar Golf & Country Club, golfing in the Thursday Afternoon Business Men’s League and was the handicap chairman; was a long-time member of the Richville Fire Department (also serving as president), enjoyed membership with the Gemütlichkeit Club, was president of the Frankenmuth Bavarian Festival in 2007,  was President of the Lutheran Laymen’s League, and a member of the Frankenmuth-Saginaw Chapter of the 251 of the Korean War Veterans Association.

  Rollie and Nancy also owned and operated a Shaklee business out of their home for nearly 50 years; Nancy continues this venture on smaller scale today. They embarked on several earned trips in the United States and the world to attend Shaklee conventions and also bonus vehicles.

  Surviving besides his wife Nancy are: children Scott (Shellie) Wenzel of Frankentrost and Martin (Sharon) Wenzel of Vassar; 3 grandchildren, Brandon, Rachel, and Hannah (fiancé Parker) Wenzel; 2 step-grandchildren, Nicolas Leder and Danielle Sigourney; and 1 step-great-grandchild Layton.

  Funeral Service will take place on Thursday, April 2, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Michael’s Lutheran Church, 3455 S. Van Buren Road, Richville, Michigan.  Rev. Wesley Gillaspie will officiate with burial in St. Michael’s Cemetery.  Rollie’s family will receive visitors at Cederberg Funeral Home of Frankenmuth, 590 N. Franklin St. on Wednesday, April 1, from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. and on Thursday at the church from 10:15 a.m. until the time of service. Those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider memorials to St. Michael’s Lutheran Church in Richville.

  The family wished to express its deep gratitude to the staff at Covenant Glenn, especially Becca, and Sandy Beller with Hospice.