Galen Eugene Wenzl

Galen Eugene Wenzl, age 74, of rural Pawnee City, passed away unexpectedly Friday, July 8, 2022.  He was the only child born to a very dedicated and devoted single mother, Barbara Wenzl on February 8, 1948. Life was not easy for the two of them, but together the struggles they faced formed a forever bond. He attended elementary country school and then Pawnee City High School graduating in 1966.  Galen obtained a Bachelor’s degree from the University of Nebraska in 1971.

He married Cheryl McDiffett in 1969. To this union two children were born, Carrie Rae and Steven Eugene. Their marriage later ended in divorce.

Galen worked for the Nebraska Job Service from 1971 to 1979. Eventually tiring of sitting behind a desk he moved his family back to Pawnee City to farm and raise livestock. He also worked construction for AHRS until his retirement. He was an avid outdoorsman. His favorite things were fishing, hunting and wood working but mostly, spending treasured time with his family and friends. He could always crack a joke or make you smile with his "Galenisms".

He was kind, generous and funny and the kind of man it felt good to be around.  Galen would help anyone out in any way he could and was always ready to enjoy a "cold one" with friends and family.  His faith was strong and the Lord was a constant in his life. Daily prayer and devotion kept him grounded and focused.  Galen was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church and spent many Sundays and Holy Days as an acolyte assisting with mass. 

He was preceded in death by his loving mother Barbara and several aunts and uncles.

Left to mourn his passing are his children, Carrie (Todd) Albers, Liberty, NE and Steven (Stephanie) Wenzl, Milbank, SD, grandchildren, Ashton (Preston) Sunneberg, Hayden Albers, Siera and Kale Wenzl, and great-granddaughters Sawyer and Rae Sunneberg and many nieces, nephews, cousins and dear friends.

Memorial Mass of Christian Burial 10:00 a.m., Saturday, July 16, 2022 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Burchard, Nebraska.  Officiating Father Michael Christensen.  Register book signing on Friday, July 15, 2022 from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.  Rosary at 7:00 p.m. at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Burchard.  Inurnment at St. Anthony’s Catholic Cemetery, Steinauer, Nebraska. Memorials to family choice. Online condolences may be left at www.wherrymortuary.com.

Services entrusted to Wherry Mortuary, 919 G Street, Pawnee City, Nebraska

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