Lloyd M. N. Wenzel

Lloyd Wenzel Obituary

Family-Placed Obituary

LLOYD M. N. WENZEL Born in Laubach, TX on June 3, 1922 to Annie (Gombert) and Robert Wenzel, Lloyd was raised in Seguin, TX where he earned the rank of an Eagle Scout. Mr. Wenzel began his military career in 1942 in the Army-Air Corps. After flight training he became a fighter pilot and flew the P-38 in the European Theater during WWII. He flew 72 combat missions supporting the US 1st Army as it moved through Western Europe. He was awarded the Legion of Merit, Distinguished Flying Cross, Air Medal with 9 Oak Leaf clusters, the European Theater Ribbon with 6 Battle Stars, and several campaign medals. Most of his mid-career years were spent in Air Force contract management and procurement. He finished up as one of the early directors of the F-15 fighter aircraft program in charge of its joint engine project in Dayton, OH, and then retired after 30 years. After retirement in 1973, he began to work for Pratt & Whitney Air Craft in Hartford, CT. He was a contract administrator for the F-100 engine in Liege, Belguim before moving to Florida. Survivors include his loving wife of 44 years, Carol; four children, Lynda (Ron) Goetz of Seguin, TX, John (Sheri) Wenzel of Austin, TX, Kathryn (Jesse Champion) Hensley of Jupiter, FL and Robert (Tracy) Wenzel of Austin, Texas; ten grandchildren, Patrick, Grace, Daniel, Hamilton, William and Luke all of Jupiter, FL, Karly and Jake both of Austin, TX and Brett and Bryan both of Seguin, TX; and four great-grandchildren all of Texas. A visitation will be held from 2-4 PM and 6-8 PM, Thursday, July 16, 2009 at Taylor & Modeen Funeral Home, 250 Center St, Jupiter, FL. A graveside service will take place, 10:30 AM, Friday, July 17, 2009 at South Florida VA National Cemetery, Lake Worth, FL. Taylor & Modeen Funeral Home Family Owned & Operated (561) 744-2030 To express condolences and/or make donations Visit PalmBeachPost.com/obituaries

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Published by The Palm Beach Post from Jul. 15 to Jul. 17, 2009.

Memories and Condolences
for Lloyd Wenzel

15 Entries

August 3, 2009

I will miss Lloyd and his action-packed stories as a fighter pilot. I guess he's got new wings now.

L.S. Jones

August 3, 2009

I will miss Lloyd and his action-packed stories as a fighter pilot. I guess he's got new wings now.

Fred Castro

July 19, 2009

Mrs. Wenzel- Lloyd was my good friend. Always cheerful, he was willing to share his advise and friendship. I had the privilege of working with him at Pratt & Whitney in the Spanish Program. He will be missed. Fred Castro

Gary Koch

July 18, 2009

To the Wenzel family, words cannot express the depth of loss we felt upon hearing of Lloyd’s passing. I grew up hearing all about Lloyd from my father who was a squadron mate of his. I finally had the pleasure of meeting him at a 474th FG reunion several years ago. We instantly struck up a great friendship where he treated me like a son. His faith and humbling encouragement inspired me to become the official historian of the 474th FG Association, a rare honor for a family member. Lloyd frequently tutored me in my new duties through our frequent correspondence and telephone conversations. I would be like a kid in a candy story every time he mailed me a box of 474th related material. Many of my European friends and World War II researchers who knew Lloyd have asked me to convey their condolences. We simply adored Lloyd and will miss him dearly. The entire Koch family

Douglas Warsett

July 17, 2009

It was with great sadness that I read of Lloyd's passing in today's paper. It's been more than 6 1/2 years since my retirement as a pediatrician, so it's been even longer since my last contact with this amazing man and his family. I think it necessary and proper to record what a dedicated grandfather Lloyd was (and I want to mention Carol as an equally devoted grandmother). They were modest yet tremendously supportive. I'm sure he is greatly missed by all the grandchildren, whom I had the honor of caring for for many years.
Interesting to note that I was never aware of Lloyd's military career. Coincidentally, he was born just one month before my father-in-law, Phillip, who passed away last September. Phillip served on the ground in the Battle of the Bulge and on in Europe while Lloyd served in the air. Phillip was another dedicated grandfather; I have no doubt that the two of them are now having a great time sharing about their spouses, children and grandchildren as the highlights of their lives.
Thanks to Lloyd, Carol, Kathryn and the whole family for the opportunity I had to be with you.

July 16, 2009

We would like to express our condolences to the Wenzel family. Our prayers and thoughts are with each and everyone of you at this time of your loss. Lloyd was a very happy and kind person to everyone he met. He was a great inspiration to our son Austin and he will never forget Lloyd. We are very blessed to have know Lloyd and his family and we wish you all peace in your hearts. The Atkinson Family

Wesley Estill

July 16, 2009

It was an honor and a privilege to have known Lloyd. I met Lloyd as a family member of the 474th Fighter Group Association and I immediately liked him. He always made time to talk to me about my Uncle who flew with him in WWII. He was a true American hero, a patriot, yet humble and kindly in his manner. I am sad to hear that Lloyd has passed, but find strength in knowing he will now join with those pilots and crew who flew away before and touched the hand of God.

John Ryan

July 16, 2009

To Lloyd's family. It was an honor and a real experience to have met Lloyd; he really had a zest for life. My deepest sympathy in the loss and my hope that while he will be missed my all he will never be forgotten by one. He was a natural and a true American hero.

Archie Stuck

July 16, 2009

Dear Wenzel Family: I did not know Lloyd when he was in our squadron over seas, but during our reunions I got to know him well. He always wanted to be sure that I was going to be at the next reunion as he wanted to sit down and talk. We had many good conversations together over the years. He was a great man and I respected him very much. I will miss those sessions that wwe had together. May God richly Bless you as a family and give you peace in your hearts in the dys and months ahead.
Respectfully yours,
Archie Stuck

July 15, 2009

To the WENZEL family we offer our deepest sympathy in their loss of Lloyd.He was a fine gentleman of wonderful character who served his country with great distinction.He was also the finest and most friendly neighbor anyone could have and he will be greatly missed by all who had the privelege of knowing him. Kay and Jim Stark

Sharon Taylor

July 15, 2009

Dear Wenzel Family: To lose Lloyd is like losing my father all over again. The minute I stepped into the 474th family, Lloyd became my go-to guy, my dear confidante, and the most gracious adopted father on the planet. He made sure I was taken care of, that I had a place in my father's life from the days when he was a colleague, and that I always felt welcome and loved. Though I know better at my age and at this place in life, it's just not right that he has left us already. I will miss him deeply and I am eternally grateful that I had a few years to enjoy being loved by Lloyd! A true gentleman and a scholar. What a loss for us all. With love, Sharon Estill Taylor
Hey Lloyd: While you're zooming around up there with my father, tell him you did a great job taking care of me and tell him I love him!!!

July 15, 2009

It was a pleasure knowing Lloyd all these years since we flew combat missions over Germany. His leadership then and since with the 474th Fighter Group Association has ment a great deal to me and many others. He always called me his wing man and I am proud to have served in that capacity for him.. May God bless and keep him. With deep regrets, Howard & Dagny Darnell

Avery Willis

July 15, 2009

Our prayers are with the Wenzell family at this time. Lloyd was a true American Hero that gave his best to the country hhe cared so much for. Every organization needs a leader that gives it directionh and purpose. For the 474th Fighter Group Association that leader was Lloyd. He contributed so much that meant so much to his war buddies and their famies. We are very greatful Lloyd was there.
I know some old firend will be there to meet him and fly his wing. God be with you, Lloyd

Avery Willis

July 15, 2009

Mrs. Wenzel - He has gone to a better place. Lloyd was a brilliant airman, an outstanding manager at P&W and a true friend. He just made you feel good being in presence. I'm proud to have been one of his many many friends. Sincerely, W. Bruce Crowell, COL USA (ret)

John Anderson

July 15, 2009

Lloyd was one of my very best friends and a source of good advice and counsel during my days with the F-15 Program. Rest In Peace, my friend.

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