Mark Alan Wenzel, 53, died suddenly on Tuesday, December 11, 2012, in Austin. Born April 7, 1959 to Jack and Margaret Wenzel in Carlsbad, New Mexico, Mark proudly served his country in the United States Air Force for 14 years, married his loving wife Ruth on August 17, 1991, and raised three beautiful children with her in Buda, Texas.
He is survived by his wife Ruth, and children Stephen, 19, Michael, 17, and Katie, 15. His sister Peggy Wagner, plenty of in-laws, numerous nieces and nephews and many, many friends will also miss Mark.
Parents Jack and Margaret, siblings Jacquie, Steve, and Gary Wenzel preceded Mark in death.
A busy, boisterous man, Mark was a character of epic proportions. He was a gregarious host who could have coined the phrase, “Eat, drink and be merry,” and he especially loved camping, traveling, and boating with family and friends. Time around the campfire will not be the same without his impassioned voice, sharp wit, and grand, generous gestures, and parties will be dull without him.
Working as an independent insurance agent and as a Transportation Security Officer for TSA, Mark tried hard to spoil his family. His efforts never ended at the office: Mark could cook and clean with the best of them.
Mark was his family’s loudest cheerleader, and, because he was determined to have the best for them, he was also their most passionate critic. With his guidance and assistance, all members of his family achieved goals they might not have without his devoted encouragement. His legacy continues through them.
A memorial celebration of Mark’s life will be held at the Camp Ben McCulloch Tabernacle, 18301 FM 1826 in Driftwood, on Saturday, December 15, 2012, at 10:00 a.m. Afterward, the Hays Rebel Band Boosters and Buda United Methodist Church will provide a picnic luncheon at the park.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that contributions be made to the Mark Wenzel Memorial Scholarship Fund at Broadway Bank in Buda.
