Ronny Wenzel, was born 1938 to Lena Ott and Albert Wenzel. Growing up
he enjoyed many fond memories playing with cousins at Grandpa and Grandma
Wenzel’s home in the Womack community near Clifton, Texas.
Ronny learned to work at an early age throwing a newspaper route, working
for the neighborhood air conditioner business in Oak Cliff, and sacking groceries,
where everyone knew his name. He left for the Air Force while in high school,
learning to be an airplane mechanic.
While at Fort Chennault in Louisiana he met Naomi Leach. After 4 years in
the military, he married Naomi and they moved to Dallas and had four children
together. He then went on to receive his GED, went to college for a business
degree, and worked at the Florsheim Shoe Store. He soon realized college was not
for him and began a lengthy and successful career in Life Insurance, winning many
awards.
At about this time in his life, Ronny made the decision to join the Masonic
Lodge, and has been an active member for over 50 years, holding multiple
positions and leading community initiatives such as the can collections. Always
willing to help and provide his thoughts and opinions, we can safely say he was a
credit to the organization.
After a time, the decision was made to move the entire family to rural
Hamilton. Ronny began managing the Railroad Salvage, then later Gap Foods
where he learned to process deer and make sausage.
Having been influenced by family members who owned their own mom and
pop grocery stores, Ron wanted a business for his family. Thus began a new
chapter in his life in entrepreneurship. He and his sister, Lavon started The
Dutchman’s on the south side of Hamilton in 1976. After it burned down in 1983,
Ron purchased the old Hidden Valley, making it a cornerstone establishment. He
was also instrumental in helping to establish each of his four children in their own
businesses.
In 1998, Ronny married his life partner, Sharla. They went on to raise buffalo
for almost 3 decades.
Ronny was preceded in death by his oldest son, Koelling and grandson
Ethan.
Ronny is survived by his wife, Sharla; children Kent, Kevin and wife Ladonne,
and Kara; the mother of his children, Naomi Thompson; sister Lavon May; 13
grandchildren; 5 great grandchildren; and Leggs, the guard dog.
The family invites you to a Celebration of Life Party, Saturday August 17th,
11:30 am until 2:00 at Wenzel Hall, 209 N Bell St, Hamilton.
Beer, Brats, and Tall Tales to be served.
In lieu of flowers, donations to St.Judes, local Masonic Lodge, or bring a tree
for Sharla to plant in his name.
