Michael Joseph Wenzl

Mike Wenzl was the first person I ever admired aside from my own father and mother. I just now learned of his passing and I must say the void that I feel is profound. I spent many a Saturday morning after graduation eating pancakes and discussing John Donne. The room was warm with wisdom, and loud as Linda and the kids ran wild. I am so sorry.
And I am now not the same.

Well done Mke... Randal Cruikshanks

I couldn't wait to get to your classes. You were bursting with the beauty of the elevation of the human spirit and it seemed there was never enough time to hear everything you could give us. I love and honor the gift that was you.

On the day of his passing (and with no knowledge of it), a friend and I were reminiscing about being a student of Dr. Wenzl. His Romantic Literature classes were challenging, provocative, and peppered with Wenzl's dry humor and insight. These classes still remain highlights of my time at Cal Poly. Although I only knew you as a student, I have no doubt your love of life, language, and literature have left a legacy for your family and friends. Your life was rich and worth celebrating. Godspeed!

I was sorry to hear of mike's passing. He was a good man and a better colleague. Goodbye Michael.

Mike Wenzl's knowledge of literature was vast, his memory astounding, his lectures hypnotic. From the first class I took from him as an undergraduate to the last as a graduate student I was mesmerized by his extraordinary knowledge over a broad spectrum of topics. Mike was a lovely human being as well as a remarkable teacher. I offer condolences to his family and wish him a peaceful rest throughout eternity.

Wenzl was one of the few "larger than life" people I have known - a kind man with a sharp tongue, a wise man who enjoyed a little blarney and a lot of fun. I took as many of his classes as I could, sat in on even more, and spent hours with him out of the classroom as well. Wenzl was a humanist, an enthusiast, a raconteur, and a joy to be around. I have known many English majors, many English professors, but I can think of none who loved literature more than he did. He passionately believed...

Oh, PS, Mike: I wear short pants every day, pretty much regardless of the occasion. See, I think of you, unabashed!!

About 50 years ago, in concert with Rollings and Simmons, you personally took me under your Phoenix wing, cut through my bondage of self, and showed me British Lit that would fill my soul all my years from then on. I owe you my life and the indescribable richness of it. I taught for forty years. Thanks for believing in me. "Cast a cold Eye
On Life, on Death.
Horseman, pass by."
Yeats