Robert Eugene Wenzel Obituary (1961 - 2022)

Robert Eugene Wenzel 1961-2022Tucson, AZOn Saturday, August 6, 2022, Rob Wenzel (61) peacefully passed away in his sleep, at home inTucson, Arizona.Rob was born on January 25, 1961, in Seattle, Washington, to parents Robert and AileenWenzel. Growing up, he was close to his three sisters, Kay, Anette, and Lisa, and their bondremained strong throughout adulthood, despite living across different states. As an adolescent, Rob made a name for himself on, and off, the baseball field. After graduatingBlanchett High School in 1979, Rob attended Spokane Falls Community College beforetransferring to Point Loma Nazarene University, where he continued his baseball career andearned his bachelor's degree in Physical Education. Rob returned to Seattle to help care for his mother, and worked as a trainer and squash pro at alocal health club, where he met Sheri. After striking up regular conversations at the gym, attending the same gatherings, and Rob telling many stories of his sisters, he won Sheri over.In 1989, Rob joined the Seattle Mariners organization as the bullpen catcher, a position he heldfor three seasons. It was during a Mariners game that he proposed to Sheri, on the jumbotron!Rob accepted a teaching and baseball coaching position in 1994 at Palo Verde Christian HighSchool in Tucson, Arizona, and then became a P.E. teacher and the Athletic Director atCoronado K-8 School. Over the years, "Mr. Wenzel" became a respected and beloved coach,teacher, and friend throughout the community.After retiring from education, Rob used his entrepreneurial spirit and became a contractor,starting his own landscape design company, A New Creation. His clients can attest that his deepvalue for people and relationships continued, as most became good friends with Rob over theyears. He had many passions; his friends, career, traveling, baseball, golf, and most recently,pickleball. But more than anything, Rob loved his family. Rob and Sheri have two children, Caleb (married to Rachel) and Micah (married to Mackenzie),and two grandchildren, Savannah (5) and Eli (2), who emphatically called him, "Papa!", whichmay have been his favorite role. In April of this year, Rob and Sheri celebrated their 32ndwedding anniversary and enjoyed a long-awaited trip to Ireland together. Over three decades,they created a loving family, a joyful home, and a meaningful life together. Rob was a man of faith who loved God, always welcoming, and often enthralled by anotherviewpoint. Through the years, Rob cultivated a fearlessness in exploring his faith, which wasreflected by his ever-deepening love for people. Rob made a beautiful impact in this world, andwill forever be loved.A Celebration of Life will be held at 10:00am on Saturday, August 27, at Casas Church (10801 N.La Cholla Blvd) in Oro Valley, with a reception to follow. In lieu of flowers, the family asks forany donations to go towards two memorial benches for Rob. Please click here to make a donation.