Photo courtesy of Eastgate Funeral & Cremation Service - Bismarck
Bismarck, North Dakota
Oct 6, 1988 – Sep 23, 2011 (Age 22)
Christopher Jon Wenzel, 22, went to be with the Lord, September 23, 2011, from injuries sustained from an automobile accident. Services will be held at 10:30 am, Wednesday, September 28, at Charity Lutheran Church, 120 Aspen Ave, Bismarck, with Rev. Scott Bauman officiating. Interment will be in Sunset Memorial Gardens, Bismarck. Visitation will be held from 4:00 pm until 9:00 pm Tuesday, September 27, at Parkway Funeral Service, 2330 Tyler Parkway, with a sharing and celebration of life service at 7 pm. Chris was born October 6, 1988, to Don and Cheri Wenzel. He attended Northridge Elementary, Horizon Middle School and graduated from Century High School in 2007. After graduation, Chris attended NDSU and currently was a student at Moorhead State University. His hopes and dreams were to be a physical education teacher, coach and work with kids. Chris was confirmed at Charity Lutheran Church on Oct 31, 2004. Chris and his twin brother, Dusty, grew up loving all sports, especially the Twins and Vikings. His favorite pastimes were snowboarding, softball, campfires, fishing, and especially baseball, following his older brother, Chad, learning the sport. Chris and Dusty were proud to have been on teams that won two State Championships and got to Regionals with their baseball teammates. Chris coached Babe Ruth Baseball for several summers being a mentor and friend to both players and other coaches. He always bragged about his teams. This past summer was especially special for Chris, coaching the 14 year-old Capitals. He always expressed how lucky he was to coach the kids and the parents were the greatest. Chris, in his short time on earth, made a big impact on many lives with his positive attitude and contagious smile. Chris enjoyed family time and especially just hanging out with friends. Chris leaves behind his parents, Don and Cheri, Bismarck; brother Chad and twin brother Dustin, both of Rapid City, SD; his grandparents, Marianne Wenzel and Vern and Evelyn Zelmer, all of Bismarck. He also leaves behind his second family, the Koenigs, as well as many, many special friends. He was preceded in death by his Grampa Frank Wenzel who always called Chris "The Smiley One". Chris will be sorely missed by his family and many, many friends. We all love you Chris, and will someday meet again in Heaven.
Don,Cheri.Vern & Evelyn So sorry to hear of the death of your son and Grandson. You are all in our thoughts and prayers at this time of loss. May God give you comfort.
Howard & Karen Fitzgerald
September 29, 2011 | Moorhead, MN
Just wanted to tell you that you did a great job at raising Chris. He was a great person with a huge heart! Like everyone else has said, he had a contagious smile! My thoughts and prayers are with you!
Kylie
September 29, 2011 | Fargo, ND
Wenzel family, We were heartbroken to hear the news about Chris. Our son, Ben had the honor of being coached by Chris the past 2 summers. Chris was not only a mentor and a friend to Ben, but one of the most positive role models a parent could ask for their son. We are so grateful that Ben had the opportunity to know Chris and share a part of his wonderful life. Please know all of you are in our thoughts and prayers. Thank you for sharing him with us. God Bless!
Wayne, Cressy & Ben Aberle
September 28, 2011 | Bismarck
Just met Chris for the first time a few months ago, he was a very energetic and upbeat kid, was fun to be around, had a very positive attitude, My symphathy and prayers are with your family.
Kevin Dutchuk
September 27, 2011 | Bismarck, ND
Don, Cheri and family, I was saddened to see in the paper that Chris had passed away; please accept my deepest sympathy. I will continue to keep your family in my thoughts and in my prayer.
Shelly Geiszler
September 28, 2011 | Bismarck, ND
Cheri & Don, We are so very sorry to hear of the loss of your son Chris. We can't even imagine what it must be like to lose a child. You have our deepest sympathy. We will keep you and your family in our thoughts and prayers.
Bruce & Mary Zelmer
September 27, 2011 | Bismarck, ND
Dear Chad and the Wetzel family, I am so sorry to read of your loss of a precious brother and son. May the Lord hold you up during this time of mourning and in the future. Know that you all are in my thoughts and prayers. Sincerely, Stephanie Scott Chad's 5th Grade Teacher
Stephanie Scott
September 27, 2011 | Bismarck, ND
