Kenneth 'Kenny' Wenzlick

Kenneth ‘Kenny’ Wayne Wenzlick, age 72, of Merrill, passed away on Wednesday, August 7, 2019 in the palliative care / hospice care unit at Aspirus Wausau Hospital, surrounded by his family.

Kenny was born on March 30, 1947 to the late LaVern and Mae (Leopold) Wenzlick in Merrill.  He married Penny Jo Gunderson on November 11, 1972, a union lasting over 46 years.  She survives.

During his summers as a sophomore and junior of high school, he worked at Lincoln Wood Products with his father.  Kenny also worked at the House of Merrill for over three years, Wausau Homes and the Merrill Bean Cannery for two summers.  Kenny was then hired to work in the Maintenance Department for Lincoln County for over 30 years, until his retirement in March of 2012.  He had also worked nights and Sundays at Lee’s Mobil and an auto mechanic for many years.  Kenny had bravely served his county in the United States Army from 1966-1969, and was in Vietnam, and was also stationed in Germany. From the years 1968-1969, Kenny was an E5 when honorably discharged.  He enjoyed spending time with his family and his grandchildren.  Kenny also loved going to the casino and listening to “Lovin’County” and playing his air guitar, while watching friends dance.  He enjoyed visiting and connecting with other Vietnam Veterans.  Kenny also had a love for eagles and the peace that they would bring him.  Kenny will be sadly missed by lovingly remembered.

Kenny is survived by his wife: Penny Wenzlick of Merrill, son: Kevin (Becky) Wenzlick of Wausau, daughter: Jamie Amelse of Merrill, grandchildren: Austin and Nicholas Wenzlick of Wausau, Zachary Strasser of Merrill and Emily Amelse of Merrill, sisters: Jean (Leroy) Seehaefer of Schofield and Tammy (RJ) McCaulley of St. Mary, GA, brothers: Jerry Leopold of Merrill and Tim (Amy) Wenzlick of Tomahawk, step-brother: Rick (Mary) Laabs of Merrill and sister-in-laws: Darlene Laabs of Tomahawk and Mary Jo Laabs of Medford, in -laws: Duane (Ginny) O’Brien of Merrill, brother-in-law: Glen O’Brien of Racine, sister-in-law: Susan O’Brien of Florida and many nieces and nephews.  He is preceded in death by his parents: LaVern and Mae (Leopold) Wenzlick, brother: Wilbur Leopold, step-brothers: Myron Laabs and Duane “Duke” Laabs, sister-in-law: Nancy (Downing) Laabs, step-mother: Marie (Laabs) Wenzlick, mother-in-law: Dorothy O’Brien, brother- in-law: Perry O’Brien and grandson: Robert John Wenzlick.

A Memorial Service for Kenny will be held on Saturday, August 17, 2019 at 11am at Trinity Lutheran Church in Merrill.  The Rev. Scott Gustafson will officiate.  Visitation will be held on Saturday, August 17, 2019 from 9am until the time of the service, also at the church.  Inurnment will take place at the Merrill Memorial Park Cemetery immediately following the service.  Military honors will be performed by the Merrill VFW Post 1638 at the cemetery.

Waid Funeral Home & Cremation Service of Merrill is assisting the family with arrangements.  Online condolences may be made at www.waidfuneral.com.