Melvin Wenzel

Melvin Donald Wenzel The family of Mel is saddened to announce the passing of our beloved father, grandfather, brother, and friend. Mel passed away on Friday, June 4, 2010 at St. Paul's Hospital in Saskatoon after a short battle with cancer. Melvin Donald Wenzel was born on the farm near Leader, Saskatchewan on December 2, 1933 to Erwin Wenzel and Sidonia (Peters). He was the oldest of nine children and grew up on a farm near Leader. He went to St. John's school south of Leader and completed his high school at Concordia College in Edmonton. He married Leona Hennig and they had three children, Warren, Debra and Darrin. During this time he worked as a Patterson Grain Agent in Leader and eventually he gained his own elevator in Linacre, SK. The family then moved to Manville, AB where he worked as a hardware salesman, and later as a Manager at Alberta Treasury. He also was on town council and was the mayor. Mel and Leona eventually went their separate ways. Mel then married Ella Thrower (Beierle) and joined her family Linda, John and Doug in North Battleford. He worked as maintenance engineer at the Battleford Union Hospital until he retired. He also kept busy with his honey business, Shaklee, Horticultural Society, and Hillcrest Senior Centre where he was President for many years. Mel and Ella spent 33 years together till her passing in March 2009. They enjoyed spending time with their extended families travelling, camping, and gardening together. After a lonely year he found companionship with a special friend, Jeannette Wickstrand. They loved each other and had so many plans that were brought to a halt when he turned ill. Jeanette brought much joy to his life and looked after him so well during this time. Mel will be remembered for his kind heart, sense of humour and love of life. He loved his family, friends and nature. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, camping, gardening, dancing, country music, and a good game of kaiser. We will dearly miss him. Mel is lovingly remembered by his new love, Jeannette Wickstrand; his children, Warren (Denise) Wenzel and their daughter, Amber (James) Novakowski; Debra (Greg) Inman and their children, Kirk Inman and Tasha (Derek) Googine and their children, Taylor and Brandon; Darrin Wenzel (Jen Manderscheid) and their children, Tyler and Emily Manderscheid; stepchildren, Linda (Don) Keller, John Thrower, Doug (Katrina) Wenzel and their children, Kaesha, Kirsten and Brett Wenzel; his sister, Irene (Harold) Jackle; brothers, Rod (Diane) Wenzel, Bert (Arlene) Wenzel, Doug (Dorrie) Wenzel; brother-in-law, Max; and sister-in-law, Ellie; numerous nieces and nephews, and Jeanette's family Merle Wickstrand and his son Zach, Gordon (Lisa) Wickstrand, and Lyndon(Debbie) Wickstrand. He is predeceased by his parents, Erwin and Sidonia Wenzel; wife, Ella (Beierle); brothers, Art, Rubin, Merrel; sister, Jean; and grandsons, Jens Wenzel and Matthew Keller. Celebration of his life will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Wednesday, June 9, 2010 at Zion Lutheran Church, 10801 Winder Crescent, North Battleford, SK with Pastor Sheldon Gattinger officiating. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Hillcrest Senior Centre, 122 24th Street West, Battleford, SK S0M 0E0. Funeral arrangements entrusted to MARTENS WARMAN FUNERAL HOME (934-4888).