Walter "Walt" Louis Wenzl

Walter L. “Walt” Wenzl, age 94 of Nebraska City, NE passed away on Sunday, May 29, 2022 at the Ambassador in Nebr. City.

Walter Louis Wenzl was born on February 9, 1928 in Nebraska City, NE; the son of Alois and Philomena “Minnie” (Zerbs) Wenzl.  He grew up and attended school in Nebraska City and graduated from St. Bernards Academy with the Class of 1946. 

On April 13, 1948, Walt was united in marriage to Rita T. Pfeiffer at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Nebr. City and to this union six children were born:  Theresa, Michael, Mary, John, Norbert and Joseph.

Walter began working for John Hausener at the Hardware Store from 1943 to 1954 and he purchased the store in 1954 and named it Wenzl Hardware.  He retired and closed the store in 2019.

He was a member of the Knights of Columbus, Holy Name Society, Chamber of Commerce, Elks, Eagles, Optomist Club, and St. Mary’s Catholic Church where he served Mass and sang in the church choir for many years.  He was also a blood donor at the Red Cross Bloodmobile for many years and he played Santa Claus for numerous years.  He loved the hardware business and his many customers; but his greatest love was his wife, children and his faith.

Those left to cherish his memory include his wife Rita Wenzl of Nebr. City; children:  Theresa Billmeier (Lou) of Elkhorn, NE, Mary Powell (Scott) of Murfreesboro, TN,  John Wenzl (Mary) of Nebr. City, NE, Norbert Wenzl of Grand Island, NE and Dr. Joseph Wenzl (Dawn Gary) of Omaha, NE; eight grandchildren:  Jenny Billmeier Mallum (Marshall), Matthew Billmeier, Jeff Rowe (Jennifer), Carie Hulzebos (Ryan), Andrea Taylor (Greg), Joey Wenzl, Michael Wenzl and Theresa Horstman (Dillon); eight great-grandchildren:  Sydney and Halle Mallum, Lexi Rowe, Ava, Eli and Hugh Hulzebos and Grant and Bennett Taylor; step-grandchildren:  Michelle Kreifels, John Kreifels, Christy Pries (Scott) and Katie Miller (Clint) and their daughter Presley; other family and many friends.

Walt was preceded in death by his parents, son Michael Wenzl in 1998, grandson Andrew in 2000, brother Norbert Wenzl in WWII, brother Joseph Wenzel and wife Bea and special aunt Bertha Zerbs.

A Funeral Mass will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, June 3, 2022 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Nebr. City with Fr. Jonathan Haschke and Rev. Mark Pfeiffer officiating.  Burial will follow at St. Mary’s Cemetery in Nebr. City.

The family will greet friends at St. Mary’s Catholic Church on Thursday (6/2) from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.  followed by a Rosary at 7:00 p.m.

Memorials may be given to St. Mary’s Catholic Church or Lourdes Central Catholic Schools.

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