Photo courtesy of Swartz Funeral Home - Flint
Flint, Michigan
Aug 10, 1927 – Jun 17, 2021
WENZEL, Frederick Richard (Fred), 93, passed away at home in Flushing Michigan on June 17, 2021 with his loving and devoted wife of 13 years, Karen Florida by his side.
Fred was born in Detroit, Michigan on August 10, 1927 to Matthew and Marguerite Wenzel.
Fred proudly served in the US Navy from 1945-1946 sailing to several foreign and domestic ports aboard USS AP 18. After his discharge, Fred attended college under the GI Bill and earned an Associate’s Degree in accounting. On May 6, 1950 Fred married Doris Ann Rombach at St Michaels Church, Flint. They were happily married for 55 years and raised 6 children. Fred delighted in telling anyone: "They all turned out really well except for one". Fred was predeceased by Doris in 2005.
Fred and Doris moved to Mott Ave, Flint in 1950 and immediately joined St Agnes church. They were members there until St Agnes closed and were both very active in many groups and committees.
Fred retired from General Motors (Buick) in 1988. His time with GM was mostly spent working with computers as Buick implemented the first major computer in the Flint area in 1958. Fred was the first of the night shift’s lead operators.
Fred is survived by his wife Karen; son Matthew (Jacalyn); daughter Susan (Barnett); son Michael; daughter Catherine; son Thomas (Etta); son Dennis (Jill). Grandchildren: Kelley, Leah, Kevin, Patty, Jessica, Michelle, Jennifer. Nine great-grandchildren Ashlynn, Austin, Emma, Addison, Clara, Julia, Abby, Peter and Derek. Sister: Amalia Zitzman.
Funeral Mass will be celebrated 11am Wednesday, June 23, 2021 at St. John Vianney Catholic Church, 2415 Bagley Street, Flint, Father Thomas Firestone officiating.
Burial in New Calvary Catholic Cemetery.
Visitation 3-8pm Tuesday at the Swartz Funeral Home, 1225 West Hill Road, Flint. A Scripture Service and Knights of Columbus Service will be held 7pm Tuesday evening at the funeral home. Visitation 10am Wednesday at church until the time of the Mass.
Per request, please do not send flowers. In lieu of flowers, please make a contribution to St. John Vianney Catholic Church or a charity of your choice.
The family extends their deepest gratitude to longtime family friend Sandy Menard and Heartland Hospice, especially Jessica and Amber for their tireless and attentive care in Fred’s final days. Fred will be missed tremendously by his loving family and many friends.
Read MoreI just found out about Fred's passing. I am so sorry for your loss. Fred and Doris will always hold a special place in my heart. Sending my thoughts and prayers to the family.
Barbara Fillmore
July 11, 2021 | Adrian, MI | Friend
May the Lord welcome FRED to his special place in heaven. As a friend of Fred and his loving family for many years and as a neighbor and parishioner with the Sanborn family at St. Agnes many fond memories have been cherished and celebrated. May God’s Blessings continue with the Wenzel family.
Gary Sanborn
Gary Sanborn
June 22, 2021 | Friend
My Condolences to Mike and prayers to the Wenzel Family
Marty Ranville
June 22, 2021 | Classmate
To Fred's Family. So sorry for your loss. My thoughts and Prayers are with you all. Not only have I been Fred's neighbor for many years, I also worked with him in the computer area at Buick for many more years. Also worked with one of his sons. He will be missed.
Helen Scully
June 21, 2021 | Flushing, MI | Neighbor
Dennis and Jill, so sorry to hear of your Father's passing. Jack and I will keep you and your family in our prayers. I hope the good memories you have of him will comfort you in the days ahead.
Cynthia and Jack Canon
June 21, 2021 | Canton, MI | Coworker
Sending my condolences to the Wenzel family. Mr. Wenzel was always a kind and positive individual. I can remember moments of him working with my father (Jim Porter) on projects at St. Agnes Catholic Church. He will be truly missed.
Shelina High (Powells)
June 21, 2021 | Ypsilanti, MI | Acquaintance
So sorry for your loss.... We are keeping you in our thoughts and prayers...
Danny & Karen Ouellette
June 21, 2021 | Dearborn Heights, MI | Friend
I didn't know Fred long but what I did know was a man who loved life and his family. When he did join Karen in the Warm Fuzzy yarn shop, he was always good company. Fred was a wonderful story teller and a very loving man.
Susan Archer
June 20, 2021 | Friend
Wishing the Wenzel family sincere condolences. God has certainly blessed and welcomed him home. The Stepulkoski Family
Margaret Bourcier
June 20, 2021 | Friend
