Josephine C. Wenzel

JOSEPHINE WENZEL VULCAN - Josephine (Josie) Catherine Wenzel, 84, of Vulcan, died April 10, 2012 at Freeman Convalescent Home in Kingsford, Michigan. She was born Sept 29, 1927 in Norway Michigan, the daughter of the late Valentine "Walter" and Magdalena "Margaret" (Twardzik) Opolka. Josie married Edward (Billy) Wenzel, son of Bruno and Agnes (Barker) Wenzel on Jan 18, 1947 at St. Mary Catholic Church in Norway. He preceded her in death on March 10, 2009. Josie graduated from Norway High School with the class of 1946. She enjoyed sharing stories of her earlier days and friendships developed while growing up on Norway Hill. She was a devoted wife, mother and auntie. She enjoyed her 45 years as a domestic homemaker and appreciated those she had the opportunity to work for. Listening to Polka and Country music with family while on Sunday afternoon drives through Lower Pine Creek, Faithorn and Loretto, was among her greatest pleasures. She also enjoyed watching wildlife in the backyard, reading, playing cards & flower gardening. Norway Township Cemetery, where her husband worked as Sexton for over 60 years is where Josie first learned to drive a V8 Ford 4-door and was devoted to caring for and decorating the grave sites of family members. As a member of Saint Barbara Parish in Vulcan and the Women’s League, she enjoyed helping out in the kitchen for special luncheons. Josie is survived by one her son Edward Wenzel of Vulcan and a number of nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, parents and siblings; Ann (Joseph) Palmcook, Stella (Mike) Spiewak, Frank (Elayne) Opolka, Mike (Inez) Opolka, Joseph (Viola) Opolka, Clara (Walter) Warner and infant brother Walter Opolka; brothers-in-law: Roy, William and Lee and a sister-in-law Millicent. Visitation will be held on Saturday April 14, 2012 from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. on at St. Barbara's Catholic Church in Vulcan. The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. Saturday at St. Barbara’s Church, with Fr. Timothy Ekaitis presiding. Interment will follow at the Norway Township Cemetery and a luncheon will be held in the church parish hall. The family wishes to express their gratitude to the community for sharing the journey on earth with her. Whether visiting at home, Freeman’s, Ebeling’s grocery or out for a fish fry, she enjoyed fellowship with family, friends and neighbors. Memorials may be directed to one of Josephine’s favorite charities: Saint Barbara Parish, Vulcan, MI, The Carmelite Nuns of Holy Cross Monastery in Iron Mountain or the Jake Menghini Historical Museum Videography Project, Norway MI.

Josephine C. Wenzel

September 29, 1927 - April 10, 2012