Catherine Ann Wenzel

Catherine “Ann” Wenzel, 73, of Elkhart, died Thursday, September 8, 2016 at home. Ann was born on July 19, 1943 in Boston to Joseph Wilfred Wenzel and Katheryn Theresa Landers.  Her adopted parents, Paul J. and Margaret Wenzel, brought her up in Elkhart.  

Ann is survived by a son, Ryan Wenzel, Elkhart; a sister, Catherine Wenzel, Elkhart; brothers, Paul Wenzel (Mary), Spotsylvania, VA, John “Jack” Wenzel (Stephanie), Elkhart, Stephen Wenzel, Elkhart, and Joseph Wilfred Wenzel (Patricia), Champaign, IL. 

Also surviving are many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

She was preceded in death by siblings, Mary Louise Franco, Atha Jane Shea, and James (Jay) Wenzel. Ann came to Elkhart at around 5 years of age. Her life prior to moving to Elkhart was a blur, bouncing between foster homes in Rhode Island and various stays with relatives in Elkhart. 

Ann fondly remembered kindergarten at Roosevelt School, the smell of crayons, and a woven rug that she took to school with her every day. She also attended St. Vincent’s 1st grade through 8th, Roosevelt for 9th grade, and Elkhart High School for 10th-12th grade, where she graduated in 1961. 

After high school, between 1961 and 1974, she worked full time for her aunt, Mildred Shuler, who owned and operated Secretary Service in downtown Elkhart.  She was employed at Skyline in the late 70s, then went to Manpower where she earned the distinction of being a Tiffany Girl. Through Manpower, Ann worked at Juhl Ad Agency who arranged a pay raise citing never having seen anyone type so fast. On March 15, 1983 she began working at Miles, later becoming Bayer, where she would continue working for almost 25 years.  

She was an avid reader from an early age and did not remember a time that she could not read. Ann enjoyed genealogy, crochet, and after attending classes with ladies from work in later years, making greeting cards. Ann also enjoyed taking long country drives, and going to Fort Wayne to visit her friends. 

Friends may call from 5 until 7 pm, Tuesday, September 13, 2016 at Hartzler-Gutermuth-Inman Funeral Home, and for an hour prior to the 11a.m. am Mass of Christian Burial, Wednesday, September 14, 2016 at St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church.

Memorial contributions may be made to the charity of one’s choice.

The family would also like to give a special thank you to the Elkhart Clinic, the Oncology Care Unit at Elkhart General Hospital, Center for Hospice Care, and Meals On Wheels.

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