MAX WENZEL

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MAX WENZEL March 5, 1917- August 23, 2010 Peacefully, on Monday, August 23,2010, Max Wenzel passed away at the age of 93 at Riverview Health Centre. He is survived by his loving wife Gretchen, his daughters Barbara Christophe (Bernie), Angie Unger (John). Grandchildren Gerald Becker (Lisa), Steven Becker (Eden), Danielle Unger (Sam) and Carly Unger (Marc). Great-Grandchildren Christina, Adrian, Evan and Noah. He is also survived by his brother Jurgen Wenzel and wife Waldtraut of Hamburg, Germany. He was predeceased by his parents Maximo Wenzel, Frieda Wenzel and step-mother Erika Wenzel. Max was born in Hamburg, Germany on March 5, 1917. After finishing school he decided to become a painter by trade. After a three year apprenticeship he received his Master Painters Certificate. He worked at his profession until the start of the Second World War when he was drafted and joined the German Airforce. After his training he became a pilot as well as a flight instructor. During this time he met the love of his life, Gretchen, in Suderode, Germany. After a short courtship they got married on December 21, 1940. As the War continued Max survived many hardships such as almost losing his life after his plane was shot down as well as barely surviving in a Prisoner of War Camp towards the end of the War. In 1944 they had their first daughter Barbara and in 1947 got permission to leave East Germany and return to Max's birthplace Hamburg, where he started his own successful painting business. In 1948 their second daughter Angie was born. It was then in 1956 Max and Gretchen decided to immigrate to Canada ending up in Winnipeg where Max's cousin and family lived. After arriving in Winnipeg he worked at his trade for a few years until once again starting his own company, Wenzel Painting Decorating . He worked until his retirement in 1982 and at that time Max and Gretchen decided to buy a home in Seminole, Florida and they became snowbirds for six months out of the year. Max always said that these were the happiest days of his life! During the summers Max and Gretchen enjoyed many happy years at Red Rock Lake, fishing, playing cards and socializing with their friends. Max had a great enjoyment for music, dancing and doing renovations around the house. He was also a very talented artist. The most important thing in his life was his family. Vati and Opi as he was known to his children and grandchildren respectively was a very loving, caring and generous individual. We will all miss his warm and gentle ways and he will live forever in our hearts. The family would like to give special thanks to all the nurses and staff at Deer Lodge Centre and Riverview Health Centre for all the wonderful care that they gave him during the last four years. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Manitoba Heart and Stroke Foundation, Suite 200 - 6 Donald Street, Wpg., MB, R3L 0K6. A celebration of his life will be held on Tuesday, August 31, 2010 at 2:00 p.m. at Chapel Lawn Funeral Home, 4000 Portage Avenue. Chapel Lawn 885-9715

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Aug 28, 2010