The funeral service for Troy Wenzel, 42, of New Richland, will be held at 1 p.m. Sunday at All Saints Catholic Church in New Richland. The Rev. Swammie will officiate. Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. Saturday at Friedrich Funeral Home, New Richland and one hour before the service at the church.
Troy, a friend to all, died unexpectedly of a massive heart attack on Tuesday morning, Dec. 30, 2008.
Troy was born on Jan. 22, 1966, in Albert Lea, the son of Wayne and Merlys (McGuire) Wenzel.
He graduated from New Richland High School and then completed training at Austin Vo-Tech. Troy married Debra Johnson, to this union son Jeremy was born. They were later divorced. On Aug. 4, 2006, he was united in marriage to his soul mate Rhonda (Jones) LeBlanc at St. Peter Evangelical Church in New Richland.
Troy had a passion for sales and his life’s work included sales for Napa and then for Arnie’s, Jimmies and most recently Captain’s Choice Seafood. His light-hearted, jovial manner made it difficult for anyone to deny him a sale.
Troy loved working in his garage and detailing cars. He was always finding ways to bring everyone together; his homemade trailer carted people everywhere during Farm and City Days. Playing pool was a favorite pastime in his earlier years. Spending time with family was a top priority and brought much enjoyment for him. Although they were five years apart, he and brother Wade shared the same birthday, and he always enjoyed that celebration.
His family will miss him greatly. They include: wife, Rhonda of New Richland; son, Jeremy Wenzel of Albert Lea; his special friend Jami Madison of Waseca; grandson, Payton Wenzel of Albert Lea; parents, Wayne and Merlys Wenzel of New Richland; two stepchildren: Robin and Brandon LeBlanc of New Richland; two step grandchildren: Kyleigh and Madisyn Langfitt; siblings: sister, Renae and her husband Dave Jeno of Owatonna; brother, Wade Wenzel and his wife Denise of New Richland, sister Tammy and her husband Terry Olson of Roseau; mother-in-law Gerry Jones of Lombard, Ill.; sister-in-law Laura and her husband Steve Scelfo of Arlington Heights, Ill.; several aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and cousins.
He was preceded in death by his great nephew, Zackry.
Troy will be remembered for his keen sense of humor and his willingness to lend a helping hand to any and all who needed it.