Michael E.

Wenzel

Michael E. Wenzel

April 21, 1949 – November 12, 2026

Michael E. Wenzel, age 77, was preceded in death by his father, Edward C. Wenzel; his mother, Irene (Rudek) Wenzel; and his sister, Janice Wenzel.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Margaret "Marge" (Koehler) Wenzel, whom he married on August 7, 1971; his sons, Marcus (Jessica) and Morgan (Jill) Wenzel; and his five grandsons, Dane, Drake, Brock, Jackson, and Andrew Wenzel. He is further survived by his sister-in-law, Joanne (Koehler) Riordan; brothers-in-law, Jack Koehler, John Bacon, and Dan (Mary) Koehler; along with nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

Mike dedicated 34 years to teaching physical education in Milwaukee Public Schools and at St. Roman Catholic School. Throughout his career, he remained deeply involved in sports officiating, recreation programs, and stadium management, moving between roles as the sports seasons changed. His love for athletics and dedication to the people he worked alongside were evident in every aspect of his life.

For many years, Mike managed the gymnasium at Forest Home Avenue Social Center and coached spring, fall, and summer playground programs at Forest Home Avenue School. He also taught swimming lessons at Marshall, Custer, South Division, and Bay View High Schools and served as building director for summer swimming and recreation programs at South Division and Bay View High Schools.

Mike’s passion for athletics extended well beyond teaching and coaching. For more than three decades, he served as a referee and umpire for grade school, high school, and recreational sports. He was an active member of the Wisconsin Scorers and Timers Association, Wisconsin Umpires Association, and Milwaukee Officials Association, holding elected officer positions in each organization. He also spent 15 seasons as a member of the Big East Conference Women’s Basketball staff, conducting referee evaluations and providing supervision at Marquette University. Mike truly enjoyed every aspect of sports officiating and the many relationships it brought into his life.

One of Mike’s most cherished commitments was his involvement at South Stadium, where he spent more than 60 years working with high school soccer and football. His journey began in 1961, when the stadium manager invited him to join the chain crew. What began as a single opportunity grew into a lifelong passion. Over the years, Mike served in numerous positions before becoming stadium manager in 1975. He truly loved being part of South Stadium and treasured the opportunity to work alongside the players, coaches, officials, and staff who made it such a special part of his life.

Another great love of Mike’s was the Wisconsin State Fair, where he began working in 1980. For more than 40 years, he worked with and supervised the main stage event staff. Every August brought the excitement of State Fair time, a tradition he eagerly anticipated and thoroughly enjoyed.

Mike truly loved teaching, coaching, officiating, South Stadium, the Wisconsin State Fair, and all the games and events that filled his life. He held tremendous respect and admiration for his students, staff, and friends, cherishing the relationships and memories created throughout the years.

But above all else, Mike loved his wife, sons, daughters, and grandsons with all his heart and soul. For all the joy and fulfillment he found in his many roles and accomplishments, his family remained his greatest love.

May he rest well as his life’s work is complete.

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