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GLADSTONE -- Rudolph "Rudy" "Butch" W. Wencl, 81, of Gladstone (Flat Rock), passed away early Wednesday morning, February 28, 2024 at his home following a lengthy illness.
He was born on November 1, 1942 in Hermansville, son of Rudolph and Lillian (Roth) Wencl. Rudy was raised in Deep River, Indiana but often spent time at their family cabin in Hermansville during his childhood. Rudy graduated in Indiana, class of 1961.
While residing in Indiana, he worked with Local 150 Operating Engineers. In 1971, Rudy moved to Escanaba and was employed with Mead Paper Company. He worked in the boiler house and later on the switch crew, retiring in 2010.
On November 29, 1994, Rudy married Susan M. Solis in Iron Mountain.
Rudy had a passion for farming, horses, cows, and attending rodeos. He loved taking car rides and dropping in for visits with friends along the way. Rudy always helped others and could always share a good joke or two. He also enjoyed spending time with his family, especially the grandchildren.
Survivors include his wife, Sue of Gladstone; children, Rudy (Nicole) Wencl Jr. of Colorado, Bob (Lori) Wencl of Menominee, Kim (Doug) Spawn of Minnesota, and Christine Kwarciany of Bark River; Michelle (Wayne Manninen) Quaghebeur of Escanaba, Ken (Jenn) Quaghebeur of Escanaba, and Nick Quaghebeur of Escanaba; grandchildren, Hannah (Austin), Kara (Allen), Emma, Colten, Chelsea (Eric), Ross, Hayly, Josh, David, Nickolas (Tahlia), Rebecca (Bill), Lauren, Sarah, Sasine, and Nathan; great-grandchildren, Callie, Keagan, Kennadie, Paul, Marci, Olive, Patrick, Loyal, Bennett, Samuel, June, Nohlan, and Nadine; sisters, Lil Schultz, Bev Patton, and Sharon Sonaty; brothers-in-law, Don and Gary Solis; and many nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his two brothers, Phil and Andy Wencl; brothers-in-law, Art Schultz and Dan Sonaty; great-grandson, Cooper; father and mother-in-law, Ed and Alice Solis; and nephew, Paul Patton.
Visitation will be on Monday, March 4 from 1 to 4 p.m. at Holy Family Church, 4011 County 416 20th Road, Gladstone, MI 49837. A Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 4 p.m. with Rev. Sebastian Chacko officiating. At the conclusion of the mass, a meal will be served in the church hall.
Burial will be in the Escanaba Twp. Cemetery. A message of condolence may be directed to the family by visiting www.crawfordfuneralhomes.net. The Crawford Funeral Homes are assisting the family.