Brian Jay Wenzel

Brian Jay Wenzel, 69, passed away on the morning of Friday, November 3, 2023, at Aspirus Wausau Hospital.

He was born on August 24, 1954, in Wausau to Orin and Lois Wenzel. He was the second of four children, with older brother John, younger sister Cheryl, and younger brother Greg. He was a 1972 graduate of Wausau West High School, where he excelled academically and in many sports. While in high school, he was named the 1971 Big Rivers Conference MVP in football. After graduation he went on to receive a degree in accounting and worked for several area companies.

During the summer of 1973 at a neighborhood block party, Brian met Roxanne Henderson who had just moved to Wausau from Iowa. They married on October 6, 1978, and had two daughters Jessica and Kimberly. Brian and Roxanne just recently celebrated their 45th wedding anniversary.

In 1995 Brian became critically ill. He received the gift of life on October 31, 1995, and again on May 31, 2005, through the UW Health Transplant Clinic. He had a long road of health challenges, but always persevered. And was grateful for the additional 28 years of life with his loved ones.

Brian loved all sports. Through the years he played football at UW-Madison, American Legion Baseball, and softball for several teams, including Loppnow’s. He also enjoyed spending time camping, hunting, and fishing with his family and friends. He was a proud dad to his girls. From Scotch Doubles bowling with Jessica to walking Kimberly down the aisle at her wedding, he enjoyed getting to watch them grow up.

Brian will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

He is survived by his wife Roxanne; daughters Jessica Wenzel of Wausau, and Kimberly (Erik Larson) Wenzel of Dodgeville; mother Lois Wenzel of Wausau; sister Cheryl Wenzel of Merrill; brother Greg Wenzel of Wausau; father-in-law Ted Henderson of Weston; sister-in-law Dianne Dalsky of Wausau; niece Stephanie (Jeremy) Wegner of Weston and their children Chloe, Asher and Eliza; nephews Gus Wenzel of Wausau and Matt (Kate) Dalsky of Wausau, along with many cousins.

Brian was preceded in death by his father Orin Wenzel, brother John Wenzel, mother-in-law Mary Alice Henderson, and brother-in-law Dennis Dalsky.

A private family service will be held at First United Methodist Church.

The family would like to thank the doctors and staff of UW Health, Aspirus, and Marshfield Clinic for their care of Brian over the years.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to UW Health Transplant Clinic, 600 Highland Avenue, Madison, WI 53792.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com