Bernard Wenzel

Bernard Luke Wenzel, our beloved husband, son, father and grandfather, passed away July 14, 2013. Born February 8, 1950 to William and Jean Wenzel, Bernie grew up in Beltsville, Maryland before joining the U.S. Air Force at age 18. While stationed at Luke Air Force Base, Bernie made frequent trips downtown to buy lunch at the Walgreens lunch counter with the sole purpose of spending time with a certain beautiful young waitress who, nine months later, became his wife. Bernie and Christina have been married 42 years and have three children and five grandchildren. Bernie worked at Today's Swim & Patio and then for Shasta before retiring in 2011. Bernie loved his family and eventually became known as "Opa" to his growing brood of grandchildren. They adored his tower building and intricate train layouts, his "unique" food combinations, roughhousing and, perhaps most of all, quiet cuddling in his favorite red chair. In addition to his parents, Bernie is survived by his loving wife Christina, brothers Richard and Andrew (Lisa), children Adam (Michelle), Dan (Melissa) and Jen (Nick) and five grandchildren: Penelope, Jonathan, James, Xavier and Zachary. A visitation and rosary will be held June 19 from 5-7 at Menke Funeral & Cremation Center in Sun City. A funeral mass will take place July 22 at 10 a.m. at St. Clare's Catholic Church. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Barrrow Neurological Institute or Hospice of the Valley . Though taken from us too soon, Bernie left us with a lifetime of beautiful memories we will carry with us forever. Even those involving raisin toast and Velveeta. We love you, Opa.