Jerome Paul 'Jerry' Wenzel of Harrisburg

Jerome Paul "Jerry" Wenzel, 85, of Harrisburg, formerly of Junction, went to be with the Lord on Thursday, Aug. 15, 2019 surrounded by his loved ones.

Jerry was born Sept. 17, 1933 in Bowlesville, the youngest son of Joseph George and Delia Mary (Dailey) Wenzel. He married the love of his life, Carole "Sue" Caldwell on Feb. 29, 1960 at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Old Shawneetown.

With this marriage came three beautiful kids: his only son, Stacy (Pam) Wenzel of Junction; first born daughter, Holly (Gregory) Jackson of Casper, Wyoming; and his baby girl, Delia (Roby) Podoriscki of Harrisburg. The family continued to grow with seven grandchildren: Jerome Wenzel, Colt (Lane) Wenzel, Carole (Chris) Jackson, Gabby (Ethan) Applegate, Brayden Jackson, Blane Podoriscki and Ann Marie Podoriscki; six great-grandchildren, five being boys, Colden, Davis, Brady, Asher and Sawyer; and one girl, his first great-granddaughter, Noelle.

Jerry is joining in heaven his parents; four brothers, Jay, Carl, Daniel and Earl Wenzel; and seven sisters, Loretta Case, Florence Willis, Marion Bryant, Rosemary Hopson, Katherine Gross, Ida Swansey and Betty Wenzel. Now he is happy in heaven with all his large family.

Jerry was a Korean War veteran who served in the U.S. Navy. Then he started his career in the coal mine industry but he also worked other jobs, like sawmilling, logging, farming and thoroughbred racing. He ended his career at 78 as a truck driver, where he went by "Treetopper."

Jerry was a member of St. Mary's Catholic Church in Harrisburg, the Ridgway Knights of Columbus - he was a fourth degree Knight, and L.A. Lambert Council No. 1581. Jerry was a such a giving man; he would help anyone at any given time. To us, he was best known as Husband, Pop, Daddy, and Papa. Love you, Daddy! We will all miss you dearly.

Visitation for Jerry was held 3-6 p.m. Monday, Aug. 19 at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Harrisburg with Father Steven Beatty and Father Christian officiating. Mass was held at 6 p.m.

Internment will be at a later date at Immaculate Conception Cemetery near Shawneetown. Donations may be made to Immaculate Conception Cemetery or Alzheimer's Association. Vickery Funeral Chapel in Shawneetown is charge of arrangements. Internet condolences may be made at www.vickeryfuneralchapel.com.