Dolph Elliott Wenzel of Fredericksburg passed away on July 21, 2024 at the age of 87.

He was born to George G. and Althea Schultz Wenzel in Comfort, TX on September 3, 1936.

Dolph was raised by loving uncles and aunts, Bennie and Nina (Wenzel) Grams and C. Garve and Emmie (Wenzel) Abbott. He spent his school years in Houston, TX and his summers at the Wenzel ranch in Sisterdale, TX. Dolph attended Texas A&M University for two years. While there Dolph met the love of his life, Carolyn Klein, at a church Walther League meeting at Roaring Rock. After the meeting, their group went rabbit hunting at the Klein ranch in Mt. Home, what a unique first date! They were married on June 13, 1959 at Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Kerrville. Immediately after, Dolph was drafted into the US Army and sent to California for basic training. Dolph would hitchhike from California to Houston and back to see his bride. The couple began their life together at Ft. Bragg in North Carolina. After discharge, they moved back to Houston and began their family. They returned to Kerrville in early 1965 and Dolph began working at T.J. Moore Lumberyard. After a few years, he began building homes in the Kerrville area. Dolph was the general contractor and Carolyn was his interior designer. His sons remember him working long into the night drafting house plans. In 1981, Dolph exited the lumberyard and began ranching full-time at the Wenzel and Klein ranches.

Dolph was a member of Resurrection Lutheran Church. Dolph loved ranching and his cows and horses. He once commented that he could sit there all day and watch his cows eat cubes. Opa was blessed to have all of his grandchildren close by and enjoyed attending their many activities. Dolph was a devout Christian who loved spending time with his grandchildren. He will be dearly missed by all.

Dolph is survived by his children Todd Wenzel and wife Nancy of Menard, George Wenzel and wife Dawn of Sisterdale, Dudley Wenzel of Llano; grandchildren Emily Filer and husband Travis, Dolph Wenzel and wife Regan, Charles Wenzel, Kate Wenzel, Kendall Wenzel, Kamryn Wenzel; great-grandsons Conrad and Ellis Filer; Wenzel grandchild due in January 2025; brother-in-law Lyndon Wahrmund; numerous nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his wife Carolyn: his parents; special aunts and uncles; siblings Vera Tonn, lone Aslin, Pearlie Planzer, Florence Schladoer, and Fay Wenzel; sister-in-law Janice Wahrmund; brother-in-law W.C. Klein; daughter-in-law Lorilea Wenzel.

A Private graveside service will take place at a later date.

Memorials may be made to Resurrection Lutheran Church, Sisterdale VFD, or to the Charity of your choice.