Melvin E Wenzel

Melvin E. “Mel” Wenzel has passed away at the age of 88 on Monday, May 16, 2022. In his own words, he was “a world-famous unknown artist, author, composer, humorist, inventor, novelist, poet, song writer, hummer, humble and modest, who is still unrecognized and unappreciated by the world, for his minuscule talents and abilities.”

Mel has created and written 30 books “of inconsequential and insignificant nonsense,” ranging from small pamphlets to books of poetry, including several books of limericks, and a short novel.

He composed many musical compositions for “piano (mercifully short and simple pieces) and many songs for a total of over 200 musical compilations.”

Mel was known for his wonderful sense of humor. He “has created many, many humorous (at least to him) articles, greeting cards, photographs and pictures with humorous captions, which some people found amusing (those without good taste).”

He invented several devices to make things easier to work with, such as extended length garden tools, snow shovels, and a nozzle extension for a leaf vacuum machine, among other things. He also invented and built several home-built recumbent bicycles, of a unique design, which were featured in a bicycle magazine “Human Powered Vehicles.” He had a “talent (albeit very small) to improvise and make things work.”

Above all, Mel cherished and deeply loved his wife of 47 years Helen. Together they enjoyed dinners out and dancing.

Mel is survived by his loving wife, Helen, his stepson Gerald (Pamela) Zimmerlee, nephew Gary Bilke, stepdaughter-in-law Judy Zimmerlee, as well as numerous grandchildren and other relatives. Mel was preceded in death by his parents Adam and Leocadia (Majchrzak) Wenzel, stepson Richard Zimmerlee, and sister Patricia Hilliard.

Visitation for both Helen and Melvin will be held at Risen Savior Lutheran Church (9501 W. Drexel Ave. Franklin, WI) on Saturday, October 1, 2022, from 10:00 AM until the time of services at 11:00 AM. In lieu of flowers please consider a donation in Melvins's name to a charity of your choice.