Paul Frederick Wenz

PAUL FREDERICK WENZ, was welcomed into heaven on October 1, 2014. He was born on October 31, 1931, to Louis and Leona Busch Wenz, in Lacon, Illinois, along with his siblings, Catherine Diebel, Mildred Wilson, and Lawrence “Bud” Wenz. During his high school years, he met the love of his life, Margaret Althea Buck and they were married on November 19, 1951. Shortly after graduation from Lacon High School, Paul joined the Air Force and served bravely during the Korean War. He and Margaret were stationed in Alaska and share wonderful memories of those early years in their marriage. After his honorable discharge from the service in 1954, Paul returned to Eureka College where he earned a BA in Hospital Administration and went on to earn his MBA at the University of Illinois. This accomplishment led to his life-long career as a hospital CEO at Havana Community Hospital in Havana, Illinois, Iroquois Memorial Hospital in Watseka, Illinois, and finally Memorial Hermann Healthcare System in El Campo and Del Rio, Texas. Paul and Margaret had three children, Paul, II, Phillip, and Preston. Throughout his life, Paul devoted his time and energy to loving his family and supporting his children in all areas of their lives, but most enthusiastically through their sports and hunting. Fond memories are shared of Paul and a few other dads “cheering” the boys and their teams from the sidelines with words of “wisdom and encouragement.” In addition to sports, Paul loved hunting with his family and friends. He was a proud hunter of ducks, geese, doves, and numerous other birds. He passed down this love of hunting to his sons, Paul and Preston, and had just enjoyed a successful dove hunt in his last weekend. Paul was a wonderful grandfather to all his grandchildren, Holly Hagen, Emily and Samantha Wenz, Zachary, and Samuel and Levi Wenz. All of them cherished their time with Grandpa and the way he made them feel special and important. In addition to his love of family, Paul was a community leader throughout his life. He served in numerous civic organizations including Rotary Club, American Legion, Kiwanis, Lion’s Club, and taught Sunday School. Through his kind heart, generous spirit, and easy smile, Paul made life for those around him better. He will be missed.

For those desiring, memorial gifts may be made in Paul’s honor to the Texas Veteran’s Commission, 2002 Holcombe Blvd., Houston, TX 77030-4211.