Frederick J. Wenzel Jr.

He was born on September 7, 1947 in Norwich, CT to the late Frederick Wenzel, Sr. and Marjorie (Schrader) Wenzel. Fred graduated from Montville High School in Montville, CT in June 1965 as a member of the school’s first graduating class. He earned an Associates in Applied Sciences Degree from Thames Valley State Technical College in Norwich, CT in June 1967.

After graduation, Fred embarked on a 45-plus year career in industrial fire protection and loss prevention with Factory Insurance Association (FIA), which later became Industrial Risk Insurers (IRI). After a brief training period in Binghamton, NY, Fred decided to serve his country, and enlisted in the United States Army. He was stationed for most of his 3-year military stint in Fort Hood, Texas, where he met and married Samantha J. Ingram, on October 5, 1970. She predeceased him on May 13, 2015.

After his honorable discharge, Fred and Sammi relocated to Morganton, NC, where he resumed his career with Industrial Risk Insurers. While in Morganton, Fred founded and developed a volunteer fire department where he lived, in a county that previously had none.

In time, Fred advanced to be a supervisor, and was later appointed the Engineer-In-Charge of the Houston, TX office, where he managed some 20-plus field engineers. After some changes to the structure of IRI, Fred returned to the field, spending the rest of his career as a Senior Engineer in the Houston, TX area.

Fred and Sammi were fond of raising and boarding horses, and this was their shared passion. Over the years, they had several horses they housed when they lived in North Carolina, and on their small ranch in Houston. Fred was especially proud to be a lifetime member of the Houston Rodeo, and he enjoyed volunteering at the Rodeo every year.

Fred was also a member of the Veterans of Foreign War and the American Legion. At the VFW Post 10352 in Houston, Fred was adjutant.

Fred is survived by a stepdaughter, Julie Nelson of Reklaw, TX. He is also survived by his three brothers, Lawrence (wife Marcia), of Bradenton, FL and Oakdale, CT; Martin (Patricia) of Bradenton, FL; and David of Mystic, CT. Fred is also survived by nephews Brian, Eric, Shawn and Daniel Wenzel, and several great nieces and nephews.

The family wishes to thank Ron and Edna Bush of Spring, TX who, over the years, befriended Fred and Sammi, and have been there for Fred in the last few years when Fred went through some very trying health issues. Without Ron and Edna’s help, Fred’s later life would have been much more difficult. They have been extremely helpful to all the family in this time of need.

The American Heritage Funeral Home, 10710 Veterans Memorial Highway, Houston, is entrusted with the arrangements. Burial will be at the convenience of the family. A memorial service will be held at the funeral home at 10:30 AM on March 14, 2020, with a reception to celebrate Fred’s life following, at the VFW Post 10352, 16035 Waverly Dr., Houston, TX 77032.

A memorial service for Fred will also be scheduled later in CT.

Donations in Fred’s memory can be made to any military veterans’ organizations, or the Shriner’s Children’s Hospitals.