William Henry Wenzel

Wenzel, William Henry a retired business executive, died Monday, August 20, 2007 at his residence in Ballwin at the age of 87. He was a life time resident of St. Louis until his retirement when he moved to his farm near Hermann, Missouri. In 2005 he moved to Meramac Bluffs Community in Ballwin. Mr. Wenzel was past president of the old Wenzel Company founded by his grandfather in 1887. It later became a subsidiary of the Kellwood Company. The business was predominant in the camping industry, selling tents, sleeping bags, back packs and other camping gear. Mr. Wenzel had served as the president of the camping industry trade association. He and his wife, Elizabeth, were among the founders of Independence Center. He had also served as president of Clayton Rotary Club and Sherwood Forest Camp. During World War II, he served as a lieutenant in the Navy in both the European and Pacific Theatres. He is survived by his wife of 62 years Elizabeth Jamieson Wenzel, three daughters, Janet Wenzel, St. Louis, Barbara Norby, Grants Pass, Oregon, Elizabeth Syrovy, Cape Cod, Massachusetts, grandchildren Claire Park, Meaghan Wenzel, William Wenzel II, Akeasia & Nicole Wenzel. He is preceded in death by his parents Frederick & Ella (Heuermann) Wenzel & two brothers Herman & Fred Wenzel.Services: Memorial services will be held Monday, August 27th at 2:00 p.m. from the Community Christian Church, 623 Meramac Station Rd., Manchester, MO 63021 (636-394-2772). Memorials contributions may be made to Independence Center, 4380 West Pine, St. Louis, MO 63108, Community Christian Church, 623 Meramac Station Rd., Manchester, MO 63021 or Alzheimers Association, 9374 Olive Blvd., St. Louis, MO 63132.