Donald Ray Wenzel

Don was born September 26th 1929 in Yakima, WA, the son of Raymond R. & Nelda A. (Haeckel) Wenzel. At the age of 1½, he then moved to Brentwood, CA, where he resided to the age of 14. At that time, he returned to Yakima, attended Yakima area schools and graduated from Yakima Senior High School in 1947.

He served in the Army (Korean War) from 1951 until 1953, when he was honorably discharged. He returned at that time to the Yakima Valley to live out the remainder of his years. Don truly loved the Yakima Valley and the Pacific Northwest. His favorite things to do were camping, fishing, hunting, and golfing, all of which were abundant in the Pacific Northwest. He also enjoyed the distinct four seasons. Much of his time was spent doing those activities with family and his many, many friends. Later in life, he very much enjoyed playing bridge at the Harmon Senior Center with his bridge family.

On February 14th, 1963, he married Carol Jean Mitchell at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Yakima, WA. This union remained intact until Carol’s death on December 29, 2009. He was very proud of his 46 year marriage. Don worked many jobs throughout his life, but he was proudest of his career with the City of Yakima, where he was a Civil Engineer & Acting City Engineer for a period of time. He was able to retire after 25 years of service. Don & Carol enjoyed their retirement years golfing at Desert Aire, traveling through the United States and their annual trip to Reno. They remained inseparable until Carol’s passing.

Don was preceded in death by his loving wife Carol, his parents Raymond & Nelda Wenzel, his in-laws Frank & June Mitchell and his brother-in-law Steve Mitchell. Don is survived by his 4 children, Wendy J. Speer (Randy), and Laura R. Tyler both of Yakima, Donald E. Wenzel of Petersburg, VA and Jeanette McCarthy (Mac) of Yakima; 9 grandchildren, Tyler (Abigail), Adam (Lauren), Lisa, David, Holly, Emily, Andrew, Natalie and Nicole (Josh); 6 great grandchildren; sister, Sharon Cook (Doug) of Bullhead City, AZ; sister-in-law, Marsha Van Dyck (Bill) of Milton Freewater, OR; brother-in-law, Ken Mitchell (Lorayne) of Placentia, CA; many nephews, nieces and friends; and his beloved poodle, Lacee.

Our Dad was loved and respected by all who knew him. He was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, brother, son-in-law, brother-in-law and friend. He touched many lives and loved all in his own way. We will mis you very much, but we know how happy you are to be with Mom. No good-bye, just we love you and will join you when our time comes.

Viewing will be from 4:00 to 8:00 pm Friday, October 26, 2012 at Langevin-Mussetter Funeral Home. Funeral services will be 10:00 am on Saturday, October 27th, also at the funeral home, with burial to follow at Tahoma Cemetery. Langevin-Mussetter Funeral Home has been entrusted with the arrangements. Condolences may be offered at www.lmfuneralhome.com.