Victor Harry Wenzel
1931 - 2025
Victor Harry Wenzel of Medicine Hat, beloved husband of the late Dorothy Wenzel, passed away on Friday, May 2nd, 2025, at the age of 94 years. Victor was born February 3rd, 1931, in Leader, Saskatchewan, to Elsa and Adolf Wenzel. The family moved to Oyen, Alberta, in 1931. Growing up in the ‘dirty 30s’, farming was not an easy life. The family of nine children worked together tilling the land, planting and harvesting, gardening and canning, and caring for one another, building a strong family unit. In later years, family gatherings always included guitars or a piano as the Wenzels and their families blended their voices together harmoniously in songs of faith.
Victor was a wonderful, loving husband to Dorothy (Hanson, Odland) and a caring stepfather to four children. Following his parents’ retirement from farming, Victor continued to farm the land until he retired to Medicine Hat, where Dorothy and he enjoyed many wonderful years, including golfing, fishing, camping with friends and family, and serving God and their church community. Victor carried love of the land by tending a large, productive garden and lovely yard, sharing the produce with family and friends. Even when their hands could no longer cut the vegetables to can or freeze, Victor grew potatoes and carrots until the age of 92 years. Victor was known by his nieces and nephews as a great uncle who played with them and was strong enough to lift them off the ground and high into the air by one hand. This care for the children continued to his grandchildren and some of the great-grandchildren, who remember him to be present and available to play with them.
Victor is survived and lovingly remembered by his stepchildren, Raymond (Susan) Odland, Carole (Harald) Thannhauser, Lois (Lyle) Siegel, daughter-in-law, Lorna Odland (Albert); his sister, Lyla Rutherford; sister-in-law, Susie Wenzel, 13 grandchildren; 27 great-grandchildren; as well as many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents, Elsa and Adolf Wenzel; his step-son, Albert Odland; sisters, Renate, Berniece, Viola, and Vivian; brothers, Theodore, Leland, and Ivor; brothers-in-law, Carol Rutherford, Bill McElhinney, Julian Velve and Carl Johnson; and sister-in-law, Grace Wenzel.
The family would like to thank Pastor and Mrs. Edel for their spiritual care and visits, the doctor, and the many caring nurses and care staff at River Ridge Seniors Village who gave excellent long-term and end-of-life care.
The Funeral Service was held at St. Paul Lutheran Church, 515 Sprague Way SE, Medicine Hat, AB T1B 4A7, on Friday, May 9th, 2025 at 2:00 pm with Reverend Ken Edel officiating. Interment followed at Saamis Prairie View Cemetery. Donations in memory of Victor can be made to St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, 515 Sprague Way SE, Medicine Hat, AB T1B 4A7. Condolences may be sent through www.saamis.com or to condolences@saamis.com subject heading Victor Wenzel.