John Michael Wenzel

John "Jack" Michael Wenzel, age 85, passed away on March 7, 2026. Jack lived a life defined by devotion to his loving wife, family, faith, and hard work. Born on September 6, 1940, Jack married his high school sweetheart, Stephanie, beginning a loving marriage that lasted 64 years. Together they built a home filled with love, dedication, laughter, and pride in their family.

Jack worked tirelessly throughout his life to provide opportunities for his daughters. Over the years, he often spoke with pride about their accomplishments, celebrating the fact that together they earned eleven degrees. His career reflected that same strong work ethic. He spent a decade working at Selmers, followed by ten years as the proprietor of a RV manufacturer, Trek, and then more than 20 years as a supplier in the RV industry.

Home was always Jack's favorite place. He took great pride in caring for his house and yard, maintaining a meticulous lawn that reflected his attention to detail and pride in his surroundings. He was deeply grateful for the neighbors and friendships that made his neighborhood feel like community.

Faith was central to Jack's life. He enjoyed reading about the saints, making rosaries for others, taking pilgrimages, and was always willing to share his faith with others. A lifelong Catholic, he grew up in the St. Vincent de Paul parish and was a devoted member of St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church for more than 60 years.

Jack enjoyed a wide range of sports and outdoor activities throughout his life. He loved water skiing, snowmobile racing, flying, boating, motorcycling, racketball, and coaching softball. Golf became a special passion. He also cherished time spent at Lake Michigan, especially the many moments shared there with his family. In recent years, he found simple joy sitting on his patio watching birds and observing the construction happening nearby.

Jack is survived by his beloved wife, Stephanie; his daughters, Stacy (Jon Salzmann) Wenzel, Jackie (Doug) Schnell, Julie Kleiman, Lisa Wenzel, and Andrea Wenzel; and his cherished grandchildren, Clay, Sydney, Sage, Max, and Ruby. He is also survived by his brother Jerry (Mary) and his sister Cathy, along with nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Paul and Margaret; his brother Steve; and his sister Ann.

Jack's family is grateful for the compassionate care he received from the staff at Wellbrooke and Elkhart General Hospital in his final days.

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10am, Friday March 13, 2026 at St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church, 1331 N. Main Street, Elkhart, IN 46514 where friends may visit 1 hour before mass. Fr. Logan Parrish will officiate. Burial will follow mass at St. Vincent's Cemetery, Elkhart

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Meals on Wheels https://www.mealsonwheelsamerica.org/ where Jack was a volunteer for many years after his retirement. Stemm-Lawson-Peterson Funeral Home, 1531 Cobblestone Blvd., Elkhart, IN 46514 is assisting the Wenzel family. Online condolences at www.stemmlawsonpeterson.com