Rodger F. Wenzel

Rodger Wenzel, age 85 of Harrisville, was welcomed to his heavenly home, April 12, 2020 surrounded by family at home, after a month long battle with melanoma. Born November 13, 1934, to Otto and Elsa (Berg) Wenzel in Rogers City, he was raised there. Rodg served his country in the U.S. Army and Reserves. He attended Central Michigan University, where he obtained a Master’s Degree in Music Education. Rodger began his teaching career in 1957 with the Reese Public Schools. Among his many accomplishments there was recording a band album and taking the band to the World’s Fair in New York in 1962. Rodger was an ardent advocate for public education, teacher’s rights, and was an essential part of creating fair and equitable working conditions for teachers across Michigan with his involvement with the MEA and the Reese 44. Upon arriving at Alcona High School in 1971, Rodger began developing the music program, including writing the school fight song and fundraising for band uniforms. As the program grew, Rodg took much pride in the band’s accomplishments. He retired in 1988. Rodger served his Lord faithfully for his whole life, and was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Oscoda for almost 50 years. He served as an elder, trustee, and a member of the choir. He was a member of the Harrisville Lions Club, the Rogers City Servicemen’s Club, and served on the Alcona School Board. Rodg loved rooting for Detroit sports teams, playing cards, hunting, fishing and gardening. He always loved a challenging puzzle. He loved his family deeply. He was devoted to his loving wife, daughters and grandchildren. All will remember him for his “dad” jokes and dry sense of humor. Rodger was married on August 20, 1960 and is survived by his wife Carol (Schalk). He is also survived by his daughters Sheri Tyler (Jerry Hudson); Amy (Dwight) Mead; Paula Moreau (John Williamson); grandchildren Scott Tyler, Kyle (Michelle) Mead, Jill Tyler, Alaina (Megan) Moreau-Leo; Rachel (Eric) Mead Bockrath; great granddaughter Charlotte Mead; and his sister Bev Wirgau. Rodg will also be missed by many in laws, nieces, nephews, and friends. He was preceded in death by his brother Ken Wenzel and his sister Audrey Lewandowski. Private services for Mr. Wenzel were held at Gillies Funeral Home in Lincoln. Burial will be in St. Michael’s Lutheran Church Cemetery in Belknap, MI. A memorial service is being planned for a later date. Memorial donations are suggested to TLCW/LWML mites, Alcona Band Boosters, or to the charity of your choice. To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Rodger F. Wenzel, please visit our flower store.