Robert H. Wenzel

KENSINGTON - Robert "Butch" H. Wenzel, 81, of Kensington, widower of Joan Doris (Ryerson) Wenzel, died Sunday (July 27, 2014) at home with his family at his side. Born in New Britain, son of the late William and the late Josephine (Herdlein) Wenzel, he graduated from New Britain High School, was drafted by the Boston Braves baseball franchise but instead chose to serve his country in the US Navy during the Korean Conflict, and was employed at Southern New England Telephone Company until his retirement. Butch was a member of V.F.W. Post #511, American Legion Post #68, and Elks Lodge #957. He was inducted into The New Britain Sports Hall of Fame, and The New Britain Baseball Hall of Fame, and was an avid golfer. He treasured his home away from home at his lake house where he enjoyed many good times with friends and family. Butch is survived by two sons and a daughter-in-law, Robert Brian Wenzel of Middletown, and Scot and Kelly Wenzel of Berlin, a daughter and son-in-law, Donna and Kenneth Rector of Kensington, seven grandchildren, Michael and Jennifer Rector, and Allison, Sara, Ashley, Jenna, and Alyssa Wenzel, and several nieces and nephews. In addition to his wife, he was predeceased by a brother, William Wenzel. A funeral service with full military honors will be held Friday (August 1, 2014) at 10am at Porter's Funeral Home, 111 Chamberlain Highway, Berlin. Burial will be at the convenience of the family. Friends and relatives are invited to call at the funeral home on Thursday (July 31, 2014) from 5-8pm. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758517, Topeka, KS 66675.