Philip T. Wenzel

Philip T. Wenzel, 89, of Belleville, Illinois, born Monday, February 6, 1922, in Saint Louis, MO, died Sunday, January 1, 2012 at Barnes-Jewish Hospital in Saint Louis, Missouri.

Philip was a retired engineer for AT&T and a United States WWII Coast Guard veteran. He was a member of First Baptist Church in Belleville Illinois where he was a deacon, and was a church pianist for over 50 years. He also was an accomplished classical pianist, a volunteer chaplain for St. Elizabeth Hospital in Belleville, IL for over 25 years and a member of Lambskin Lodge 460 in St. Louis.

He was preceded in death by his:

  • Parents: Casper L. and Elsie C. nee Schierenberg Wenzel

Surviving are his:

  • Wife of 60 years: Maxine M. nee Young Wenzel
  • Daughter: Roxane Maurer of Saint Louis, MO
  • Son: Chris Wenzel of Long Beach, CA
  • Grandchildren
    • Jennifer Maurer
    • Sarah (Jeff) Duvall
    • Seth (Jamie) Maurer
  • 4 Great Grandchildren

Memorials: Memorials may be made to your favorite charity

Funeral: Private graveside service.

Condolences left for Philip T. Wenzel:

    I first met Phil and Maxine in 1983 when my family returned to Illinois. He was very outgoing, super friendly, and an all around good guy. With his over-sized hands (that he described as "bear paws") he could really play the piano. I was surprised one day at a local restaurant when he and Maxine rode up on twin motorcycles! Phil was a most interesting man who loved people and loved the Lord. I'm looking forward to a grand reunion with him in glory!

    Ken Williams Swansea IL 62226

    Dear Maxine,
    We are sorry for your lost of your dear mate. We have always enjoyed being with you folks at church as well as meeting at McDonald's. Phil had a true gift from God to play the piano.
    I told him so one day and he always was very shy about it. We truly will miss him. He was on very special manand worker for the Lord.

    Ruth & Loraine Quirin Freeburg Il 62243

    Karen and I are sad to hear of the passing of Mr. Wenzel. He was a wonderful man, faithful servant of the Lord, gifted musician, and someone with a gift for helping others. I had the privilege of being his pastor for a few years in the early 1980s. I still have some bookshelves he built for me. He once wrote a song called "In the Twinkling of an Eye" based on Paul's words in I Corinthians 15. Now his faith has turned to sight. May he rest in peace and praise! -- Rev. David R. Stokes -- Fairfax, VA

    Rev. David R. Stokes Fairfax VA 22030

    Maxine,

    I was so sorry to hear that Philip had passed away. I always so look forward to the two of you coming to the Library on Saturdays. Philip was always so much fun. I loved to hear his stories about his early life. I wish I could have heard him play the piano. I was so happy that once you came in at my lunch and I sat and talked to Philip for about a half hour. That was one of the best half hours I ever spent at the Library. All of us at Belleville West Branch Library will miss him.

    Barb

    Barbara Smith O'Fallon IL 62269

    Dear Mrs. Wenzel,
    Mr. Wenzel was such a wonderful man who gave a lot of himself. You know we enjoyed his music so much and the girls especially loved getting advice and encouragement from him in their music. He was a giving man and meant a lot to us. I know you will miss him and so will so many others that new him. We love you both.
    Carol Bowers

    Carol Bowers Caseyville Illinois 62232

    Mr. Wenzel was always such a delight when he and Maxine visited the Belleville Public Library West Branch nearly every Saturday. He never failed to have a kind word and happy smile that always improved my day. I appreciated every story he shared with us; what a man of many talents! I also would have loved to hear him play the piano. I'm sure his heart was obvious in his music. But those of us lucky enough to see him and Maxine each Saturday knew his heart truly belonged to her. I smile just remembering him always insisting on carrying her books. Seeing their obvious love after 60 years together gave me a real sense of hope and happiness.
    My thoughts and prayers are with you, Maxine. All of us at the library wish you peace and comfort and look forward to your continuing to visit us. Even though we will shed tears together, we cannot help but remember Mr. Wenzel with a smile. I also send my sympathy to the entire Wenzel family. I hope your many happy memories will help sustain you through this difficult time.

    Mr. WenzelÂ’s passing has really made me realize the importance of even brief encounters with Godly people. It was a privilege and honor to have known him.


    Laura Blaes Waterloo Illinois 62298

    Phil was an amazing man and I feel privileged to have known him.

    Dennis Ansay Port Washington WI 53074