Penny J. Wenzlick

Penny Jo Wenzlick, age 72, of Merrill, passed away on Monday, December 30, 2024, at the Rennes Health & Rehab in Weston, WI and while under the care of Aspirus Comfort Care & Hospice Services. She was born on August 16, 1952, to the late James Richard and Dorothy (Derwae) Gunderson in Kenosha, WI. Penny was placed in a foster home during her middle teen years, between Merrill and Wausau on HWY K. She and her foster sisters would go up the road to the beer bar and that is where she met Kenneth “Kenny” Wenzlick, in the summer of 1971. They exchanged marriage vows on November 11, 1972 and were married for over 46 years, until he passed away on August 7, 2019. They have two children together. 

Penny worked a few different places, such as Weinbrenner Shoe Factory, Pamida and the Foto News as a flyer insert person. She then did in-home daycare for over 25 years, then she worked at the Merrill Courier as the receptionist for almost the entire time it was in business. She and her best friend, Patsy Woller, had a Christmas wreath making business, called “PW Wreathes”, that made them each some extra Christmas money.

Penny loved spending time with her grandkids and watching them play in their sporting events, and going to the casino (North Star, Bowler), as well as watching and listening to the band “Lovin’ Country”. Penny loved watching the couples dance, she considered all of them extended family. She also loved the 4th of July with the Handlin family, who over the years, have become FAMILY.

Penny is survived by her daughter: Jamie (Wenzlick) Amelse, with granddaughter: Emily Ann Mae Amelse, both of Merrill, son: Kevin (Becky) Wenzlick, with grandsons: Austin Lee Wenzlick of Camp Pendleton, CA, Zachary Robert Scott Strasser of Merrill and Nicholas James Wenzlick of Wausau, stepfather: Duane (Ginny) O’Brien of Merrill, stepbrother: Glen O’Brien of Racine, stepsister: Susan O’Brein of Florida, brothers-in-law: Tim (Amy) Wenzlick of Tomahawk, Rick (Mary) Laabs of Merrill and Jerry Leopold of Merrill, sisters-in-law: Tammy (RJ) McCaulley of Georgia, Jean Seehafer of Wausau and Mary Jo Laabs, cousins: Sheila (Tim) Margetson, Peggyanne (Gary) Grissom, Andrea (Gary) Behr, Richard (Rose) Bowker and Robert Bowker, goddaughter: Raena Mary (Grenfell) Grisa and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband: Kenneth “Kenny” Wenzlick, grandson: Robert John Wenzlick, brothers-in-law: LeRoy Seehafer, Duane Laabs and Myron Laabs, sister-in-law: Nancy Laabs, step brother: Perry O’Brein, aunts: Margaret “Peggy” Eucalano and Betty Bowker, uncles: Andrew Eucalano and Roy Bowker, father-in-law: Lavern Wenzlick and step mother-in-law: Marie Wenzlick.

A Celebration of Life for Penny will be held on Thursday, January 9, 2025, at the Agra Pavilion in Merrill, from 1:00 p.m. until 10:00 p.m.

The family wishes to thank the staff at Rennes Health & Rehab and the staff at Aspirus Merrill Hospital for their care and compassion they had shown to Penny.

Taylor-Stine-Waid Funeral and Cremation of Merrill is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences are encouraged and may be made at www.taylorstinewaid.com.