Elizabeth J. "Betty" Wenzel

Elizabeth J. "Betty" Wenzel of Merrill, Michigan Beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, September 29, 2019, at her home with her husband by her side. She was 74 years old. Elizabeth Jean Franklin was born on December 11, 1944, in Saginaw, Michigan, to the late Barton K. and Gladys (Phenix) Franklin. Betty was a proud 1963 graduate of Arthur Hill High School. She married the love of her life and soul mate, Robert Lavern Alden Wenzel on February 2, 1963 in St. Charles; he survives her. Betty was employed as a bus drive and later a custodian with the St. Charles Public Schools District; retiring after 23 years of dedicated service. She was a former member of First Baptist Church of St. Charles, where she and Robert met. Betty enjoyed fishing and tending to her flower gardens. She also enjoyed traveling by taking road trips, riding the motorcycle, and going to the casino. Above all, she loved and cherished her children and grandchildren. She was the "glue that held the family together!" Betty will forever be remembered for her kind, caring, loving and selfless spirit. Surviving are her husband of 56 years, Robert Wenzel of Merrill; three sons: Tracey (Rhonda) Wenzel of Midland, Craig (Vicki) Wenzel of Pewamo; Marcus (Holly) Wenzel of Manton; seven grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; two special former daughters-in-law: Jodi (Mike) Middleton of Lennon; Fran Porubsky of Merrill. Also surviving are many cousins, nieces, nephews, extended family and friends. Betty was preceded in death by a son, William "Billy" Wenzel; two sisters, Mary Burns and Patricia Morse. Honoring Bettys wishes cremation has taken place. A memorial gathering will take place from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Friday, October 4, 2019, at the family home, 17770 Lakefield Rd. Merrill, Michigan, 48637. Private family burial will take place at Martiney Township Cemetery in Rodney, Michigan.

Funeral Home:
W. L. Case and Company Mackinaw Funeral Chapel
4480 Mackinaw Road
Saginaw, MI
US 48603