Arlene Wenzel

Arlene J. Wenzel, 87, of Rochester, MN passed away on June 16, 2024, at Homestead of Rochester after a long battle with Lewy body dementia.

Born June 29, 1936, in Perth Amboy, NJ, Arlene was the only child to Helen Karocky. She attended St. Mary's High School in Perth Amboy and graduated in 1954. Arlene married Victor J. Wenzel of South Amboy, NJ, in 1956 and resided in New Jersey until the family moved to Rochester in 1973. Arlene went on to study nursing at Rochester Community College and Winona State University and worked as a registered nurse for Mayo Clinic until her retirement in 2001.

Arlene's steadfast love, commitment, and support for her family were her most notable characteristics, establishing her as the unshakeable cornerstone of her family. She took great pleasure in conversing with others, even strangers, and found joy in sharing a hearty laugh over a good cup of coffee. Her affection for the ocean was deep-seater, and she will forever remain a "Jersey Girl" at heart.

A longtime resident of Rochester, she is survived by her children, Shelley (Dennis) Matthiesen of Oronoco, MN, Elizabeth Dettman of Hugo MN, and Andrew (Lisa) Wenzel of Mount Horeb, WI; 5 grandchildren and 9 great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Victor J. Wenzel, Jr., her son Victor J. Wenzel III, and her mother.

A Celebration of Life will be held from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm on Saturday, July 13, 2024, at Ranfranz & Vine Funeral Home (5421 Royal Place NW, Rochester, MN). The family has requested that remembrances be made in the form of contributions to Gift of Life Transplant House of Rochester, MN.

Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Home is honored to be serving the Wenzel family. To share a special memory or condolence, please visit www.ranfranzandvinefh.com