Kenneth "Ken" A. Wenzel

Kenneth “Ken” A. Wenzel of Saginaw, Michigan

Beloved husband, father, and grandfather passed away unexpectedly at his home on Thursday, May 18, 2023. He was 92 years old. Kenneth A. Wenzel was born on April 4, 1931, in Saginaw, Michigan, to the late Fred Ernest and Elizabeth “Belle” Isabel (Fleming) Wenzel. As a boy, Ken began working as a farm hand in Saginaw, and later in Clare when the family moved north. While living in Clare, he met the love of his life, Shirley Mae Magnus, through the owner of a local store trying to create a baseball team. They dated, fell in love and were united in marriage on March 17, 1951; she survives him. Ken proudly served his country as a corporal in the United States Army during the Korean War and was honorably discharged on December 1, 1960. He and Shirley moved back to Saginaw in the 1960’s and he began a lifelong career as a tool and die maker with Saginaw Products, retiring in 1996 after 33 years of loyal and dedicated service. The role of his lifetime was to be a loving and devoted husband, father, and grandfather. Ken was a longtime and faithful member of Bethany Lutheran Church. The jack of all trades and a handyman by nature, he could fix and build anything. From creating and designing furniture and sheds, to remodeling homes, Ken could do it all with his excellent attention to detail. As a young man he enjoyed playing baseball and was an avid hunter his entire life. His little piece of heaven was spending time with his family and taking his daily walks. Ken will forever be remembered for his loving and ambitious spirit, for his selflessness to anyone in need, and for truly living an amazing life filled with many beautiful memories and stories.

Surviving are his wife of 72 years, Shirley M. Wenzel of Saginaw; a daughter and a son: Kathy Wenzel and her significant other, Scott Brown of Saginaw; Keith (Kristen) Wenzel of Saginaw; one grandson, Walker Wenzel of Saginaw. Also surviving are many nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Fred and Belle Wenzel; siblings Clifford (Lavina) Wenzel; Viola (George) Anderson, Lawrence (Alice) Wenzel; Barbara (Mel) Dingman; Milton (Pat) Wenzel, Harry (Marilyn) Wenzel, Athela Newvine, and Lester (Jan) Wenzel.

Honoring Ken’s wishes, cremation has taken place. A Memorial Service will take place at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, June 1, 2023, at Bethany Lutheran Church, 5051 McCarty Road. Rev. Michael Nitz will officiate. Friends are welcome to visit with the family at the church on Thursday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the service. Military Honors will follow under the auspices of the United States Army and American Legion Post #22. In lieu of flowers, those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider memorials to Tunnels to Towers Foundation or Bethany Lutheran Church. Please share your thoughts and memories with the family at the church or through www.casefuneralhome.com.