Christopher Wenzel

Christopher Jon Wenzel, 22, went to be with the Lord, Sept. 23, 2011, from injuries sustained from an automobile accident. Services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, Sept. 28, at Charity Lutheran Church, 120 Aspen Ave., Bismarck, with the Rev. Scott Bauman officiating. Interment will be in Sunset Memorial Gardens, Bismarck.

Visitation will be held from 4 to 9 p.m. today at Parkway Funeral Service, 2330 Tyler Parkway, with a sharing and celebration of life service at 7 p.m.

Chris was born Oct. 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, S.D.; 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.

Go to www.parkwayfuneral.com to share memories of Chris and sign the online guest book.