Freelyn Carl Wenzel Jr.

Freelyn Carl Wenzel Jr. was born in Gig Harbor, Washington on September 28, 1940, to Freelyn Carl Sr. and Vivian (Olson) Wenzel. The family moved around the country as his father worked in different areas while in the Navy. Upon his father’s discharge from military service the family settled on a farm in Osakis, MN along the Long Prairie River. Freelyn and his sister, Vikki helped their parents on the farm until he graduated from Osakis High School.  Like his father before him, Freelyn entered the United States Navy to serve his country. He proudly served on three destroyers, the Jenkins, Hopewell, and Sprosten while in the Navy and achieved the rank of 2nd Class Petty Officer.

When Freelyn returned to Osakis he soon met and married the love of his life, Janetta J. Stimson on August 30, 1965. His father passed the family farm on to Freelyn and together he and Janetta would raise three sons, Erik, Karl, and Bill. While Freelyn farmed the land, he took on employment at various companies to help support his family, including Whithers Manufacturing and Deluxe Oil. Later, Freelyn drove truck over-the-road for American Target and Central Specialties, Inc.  Freelyn and Janetta passed the family farm on to a grandson and moved into Parkers Prairie.

Freelyn died on December 11, 2022, at his home at the age of 82.  He is survived by his loving wife, Janetta in Parkers Prairie; sons, Erik of Henning, Karl (Susan) of Garfield and Bill (Melissa) of Long Prairie; and eight grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; sister, Vikki Atterbury in Moorhead; nephew, Tim Atterbury. He was preceded in death by his parents, Freelyn Sr. and Vivian Wenzel (Osakis); daughter-in-law, Colleen Wenzel (Osakis); and nephew, Ty Atterbury (Moorhead).

A Memorial Service will be held 1:00 PM on Thursday, December 15, 2022, at the Roy-Hetland Funeral Home in Osakis.  Visitation will be held for one hour prior to the service on Thursday.