Travis M. Wenzler's Obituary
WENZLER, Travis M., age 47, of Oregonia, and formerly of Centerville and Waynesville, passed away Thursday, August 15, 2024.
Travis worked as a concrete contractor and was co-owner of Martin Wenzler Concrete. He worked with his father, Marty. As a very young man, Travis would often accompany his father on job sites during the summer months, doing what he could do to help out. With a love of working on cars and intentions of becoming an auto mechanic, Travis attended the University of Northwestern of Ohio in Lima and earned a mechanic certification. There were many occasions when Travis would drive down from Lima to assist his father at work. In 1996, Marty’s main laborer at work was suddenly killed in an accident. To fill this void, when Travis completed his studies in Lima, he opted to come to work full-time with his father rather than work in the automotive industry. They have been a team ever since, working side by side, day in and day out. Travis’s son, Journey, joined the team several years ago, resulting in 3 generations of Wenzlers working together.
Happy, outgoing, caring, creative, and funny, Travis always wore a smile and loved life. He made friends everywhere he went and would drop anything to help others. If something needed to be built or fixed, Travis was up to the challenge. He loved learning new skills, trying new things, and always had multiple projects going at once. He took pride in his rebuilt ‘71 Nova and ‘63 Impala. Learning how to operate a sewing machine from his mother, Dena, Travis created the headliner and seat covers for the Impala. After Travis and Jessie purchased land in Oregonia, Travis built a beautiful home there. Travis and Marty built the foundation and framed the house. With the assistance of family, friends, and a few subcontractors (especially Tom Brooks), Travis and Jessie’s dream home was completed. It was truly a labor of love. His creative and artistic side is shown through his love of music, playing the drums, and creating and selling tie-dye products with his wife at local festivals. His other hobbies included hiking and kayaking with his wife, growing and tapping maple trees for syrup, and riding his motorcycle. Some years ago, Travis started brewing his own beer, which resulted in him being recruited to assist the Yellow Springs Brewery in getting their business going, and it is still going strong today.
Travis especially enjoyed bluegrass music, and he made a tradition of attending the John Hartford Festival. He also enjoyed the tradition of spending time with family at their family beach house at Madeira Beach in Florida. Activities included shuffleboard, building sand castles, skimboarding, swimming, and especially enjoying the company of his family. For over 20 years, Travis, his family, and basically anyone who wanted to join the family also enjoyed the tradition of getting together every Sunday during the summer at 1 PM at his parent’s home for what the family called “Sunday Funday,” which was basically a pool party and a time for everyone to enjoy each other’s company. The weekly summertime event often included large crowds of 30 or more people. Being extremely family-oriented, Travis also participated in the tradition of making hard-tack candy and homemade caramels at Christmas and a pumpkin carving event during the fall. Of course, the pumpkin carving event had to be complete with entertainment in the form of music or bands playing on the deck. Among many things, Travis will be remembered for his unique and artistic personality, his collection of license plates and street signs, and his willingness to always help a friend or family member with a project.
Travis is survived by his wife of 24 years, Jessica; three children, Journey, Veda, and Star Wenzler; his parents, Martin and Dena Wenzler; one sister Amanda Wenzler-Smith (Nick Smith); one brother, Brett (Amy) Wenzler; five nieces and nephews, Leona, Nicholas, Oliver, Morgan, and Mya; his father- and mother-in-law, Walter and Elaine Stoker; and countless other family and friends.
The family will receive friends from 11 AM - 2 PM on Saturday, August 24, at Crossview Christian Church in Waynesville. A celebration of life service will follow the visitation at 2 PM at the church. Steve Williamson will be officiating the service. To honor Travis’s casual lifestyle, please feel free to dress accordingly. Casual attire is encouraged.
Immediately following the life celebration service at the church, the family invites all friends to gather with them at the Waynesville American Legion Post 615 for food, fellowship, and additional time to share stories in celebration of Travis’ life. In lieu of flowers and in honor of Travis, the family asks that you help a friend in need, perform a random act of kindness, or plant a tree. Stubbs-Conner Funeral Home in Waynesville is serving the family. Condolences at www.stubbsconner.com.
What’s your fondest memory of Travis?
What’s a lesson you learned from Travis?
Share a story where Travis' kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Travis you’ll never forget.
How did Travis make you smile?