On Monday, July 30, Harry Jacob Wenzel passed away at the age of 89 in Okemos, Michigan. He is survived by his wife of 67 years, Mary Ellen; his children Karen and Kevin; his five granddaugters-Corey, Amanda, Nellie, Mickayla, and Shyla; and four great-grandchildren-Jarl, Sage, Willow, and Freja.
Born in Sturgis, Michigan, in 1929, Harry graduated from Sturgis High School and then served his country in the Navy from 1946-1949. He married Mary Ellen Blossom in 1951. He went on to receive a Bachelor's Degree from Tufts University in Boston, Massachusetts and a Master's Degree from the University of Michigan. He became a secondary school teacher of German and English and taught in Eben Junction, Pontiac, Oak Park, Painesdale, and Ishpeming High Schools, all in Michigan, before retiring in 1984.
In retirement Harry enjoyed traveling and doing volunteer work at St. Vincent/Depaul Society in Ishpeming. He worked with the Kiwanis and was a member of the American Legion.
Services will be held at St. Augustine Church at 546 W. South St. in Mason, Michigan on Wednesday, August 1. The family will be available at 2:00 for visitation with the service following at 3:00. There will also be a graveside service in Ishpeming, Michigan, on August 6 at 1:00.
Harry will be greatly missed by his wife, two children, 5 grandchildren, and 4 great-grandchildren.
The family is being served by the Gorsline Runciman Funeral Homes Ball-Dunn Chapel in Mason. Memories and online condolences may be shared with the family at www.grbdmason.com.