Robert Wenzel

November 22, 2009

Robert Wenzel, 72, of Zellwood, Fla., formerly of Tamaqua, entered into eternal rest Nov. 22 after a lengthy illness where his last days were spent with Cornerstone Hospice, Tavares, Fla.

He was a son of the late George W. and Anna P. Wenzel (founder of Wenzel's Bakery).

He was raised and educated in Tamaqua and graduated from Tamaqua Area High School in 1956 and Pierce College in Philadelphia, where he earned a degree in accounting in 1960.

He entered into the Army in 1960 and was honorably discharged after serving three years.

He loved music and played the saxophone during his high school years in the band and during college and had his own orchestra, coincidentally named Bob Wenzel Orchestra.

He met and then married the former Carol Karnes, Catawissa, in Philadelphia while he was in college in 1960. They celebrated their 49th wedding anniversary in July, where they shared a lifetime of memories.

After the Army, he worked in Philadelphia for the IRS as an auditor before moving back to Tamaqua and starting his own public accounting business known to all in the Tamaqua area as Wenzel Accounting, located on East Broad Street.

He was a member of the PA Society of Public Accountants, Tamaqua Masonic Lodge, American Legion, Elks, VFW, and at one time Coaldale Victory Band.

After 30 years in business, he and his wife retired and moved to Florida in 2001.

In addition to his mother and father, he was preceded in death by a brother, William, and a sister, Elizabeth.

Surviving are his wife, Carol; a daughter, Christine, wife of Tom Lesisko, New Ringgold; two granddaughters, Noelle and Sarah Lesisko; his older brother, George Wenzel; nieces and nephews.

A memorial service has been scheduled for 11 a.m. Dec. 19 at Trinity United Church of Christ, Lafayette Street, Tamaqua, with the Rev. David W. Grant officiating. Masonic services will be at 10:45 a.m. at the church. Calling hours will be from 10 to 10:45 a.m. at the church. Interment will be in Odd Fellows Cemetery, Tamaqua. Contributions can be made in his name to the Tamaqua Area High School Band or Good Shepherd Rehabilitation Center, Allentown. E. Franklin Griffiths Funeral Homes Inc., Tamaqua, is in charge of arrangements. Online registry and condolences may be signed at www.griffithsfuneralhomes.com.