LTC Thomas John Wenzel

Retired LTC Thomas J. Wenzel of Saginaw, Michigan, formerly of Hemlock

It is with saddened hearts to announce that Thomas J. Wenzel has lost his battle with lung cancer at Saginaw Senior Care and Rehab Center on Sunday, March 3, 2024. He was 83 years old. 

Tom is survived by his high school sweetheart and his wife of 63 year, Judith; two children, Tom (Pam) Wenzel and John (Joanie) Wenzel; four grandchildren, Evan Wenzel, Clayton Wenzel, Briana and Brooke (Jordan) Johnson; and his beloved extended family: Larry Wolfgram, Tammy (Russ) Flewelling, and Holly Martin. 

He was preceded in death by two brothers, Donald and Phillip. 

Thomas was born in Alma, Michigan, on September 13, 1940, to the late John C. and Florence Mae (Russell) Wenzel. 

He is a veteran of the Vietnam War (U.S. Army) and was extremely proud of his vast military duties and his 30 plus year military career. His military service began in 1958 and went on to achieve many accomplishments from jump school (Fort Bennings, GA), military police in Germany, Army Commanding general staff College Fort Leavensworth, KS, and more. 

Vietnam tours include infantry 125^th, 82^nd, and 173^rd Air Borne Divisions (where he was part of the first paratrooper divisions to jump into Vietnam), the completed Flight School where he flew Huey Helicopters in Vietnam. Tom received multiple medals to include the Bronze Star Medal, The Air Medal and The Distinguished Flying Cross. 

Tom continued his military career in the Michigan National Guard – flying helicopter, training troops, Commander (Army National Guard, Alma, MI) and working with Michigan State Troopers. 

Civilian life, Tom and Judy opened a Party Store (Hemlock, MI) in 1973 and was a successful entrepreneur for 30 years, called Tom’s Party Store. They grew their small business into four locations and supported nearly 40 employees between Hemlock, Merrill, and St. Charles, and one restaurant. 

Tom loved to support the local community by sponsoring Men’s Softball, Women’s Bowling League, Lions Club, and more. He was a member of the Bay City Yacht Club and enjoyed taking his 36 footer on trips in the Saginaw Bay and into Canada. 

Tom and his wife, Judy, are members of St. Peter Lutheran Church (Hemlock) and want to thank all the pastors at St. Peter for the love and support they have shown to our family. We are blessed. 

Honoring Tom’s wishes, cremation has taken place. A Celebration of his life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, March 8, 2024, at St. Peter Lutheran Church, 2461 N. Raucholz Road, Hemlock, Michigan, 48626. Rev. Dr. William L. Morris will officiate. Military Honors will follow under the auspices of the United States Army and American Legion Post #22. Friends are welcome to visit with the family at the church on Friday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the service. In lieu of flowers, those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider memorials to St. Peter Lutheran Church or Saginaw City Rescue Mission. Arrangements have been entrusted to the W. L. Case and Company Funeral Directors, 201 N. Miller Road, Saginaw, MI, 48603. Please share your thoughts and memories with the family at the church or through www.casefuneralhome.com.