Edward Gilbert Wenz, Sr., age 85, of St. Clair Shores passed away surrounded by his family on April 8, 2025. He was born to parents Evert and Margaret Wenz. Beloved husband of 59 years to Catherine Wenz. Loving father to Mary-Margaret (Dale) Crombez, Edward (Dana) Wenz, Jr., and Michael Wenz. Cherished grandfather to Katie Crombez, Emily (Scott) Dunford, Mary Rose (fiancé Trenton McMillion) Crombez, Trever Wenz, Morgan Wenz, and Liam Wenz. Adored great-grandfather to Jane Dunford. Dear brother-in-law to Mary Beth (Michael) Duffey and Margaret Packo.
Ed graduated from De La Salle High School (1957) maintaining a loyal, lifelong friendship with Joe (Val) Koreck and Don (Sandy) Butler. He received his Bachelor's degree in accounting from Walsh College and was a member of the Army National Guard.
Ed sustained a lifelong career as a CPA at McClain, Smith, and Wenz. His clients have sent messages honoring his professionalism, integrity, and wise counsel.
Ed was a faith-filled family man, sharing the joys and sorrows of family life with wisdom and humor. From little league baseball in the early 70s to studying the subtleties of soccer when it became a sport in the US, his gentle, thoughtful coaching style was appreciated by players and parents alike. Off the field, Ed provided counsel to his church serving on the finance committee for decades, literally attending a virtual meeting in the last weeks of his life. He was noted to be the longest serving retired usher in his parish until his death.
Ed enjoyed participating in many sports throughout his lifetime. Some sports were a pastime, volleyball with his wife and their friends and softball with members of his church. But Ed's competitive spirit really shined in individual sports where improving his game to pursue his personal best was the end goal. His love of bowling was a gift from his father and mother, both exemplary bowlers on their own, they were a competitively fierce trio on the lanes. But it was on the fairway that Ed would find his forever game.
Ed, affectionately called Papa by his grandchildren, was an avid golfer who enjoyed sharing his favorite sport with his family and friends, offering tips and techniques from his years of experience. He was a fixture at his golf club, a delightful man, playing many rounds of golf annually, never missing an event, and helping to manage handicaps and tournaments.
Whether on the links, at a business meeting, or nodding a quiet hello in church Ed will be missed by all who knew him.
Mass of the Resurrection will take place on Tuesday, April 22, 2025, beginning with a gathering at 9:30 AM and Mass at 10:00 AM at Our Lady of Hope Parish, 28301 Little Mack Ave., St. Clair Shores, Michigan 48081.
Final Resting Place St. Gertrude Cemetery, St. Clair Shores, Michigan.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in memory of Edward G. Wenz, Sr. are suggested to Our Lady of Hope Parish.
