Verlyn C. Wenzel

Honoring a Machinist Who Believed in Hard Work and Second Chances
Verlyn C. Wenzel knew from an early age that he liked working with his hands. Growing up near Stratford, Wisconsin, he spent time helping on both of his grandfathers’ farms while attending Stratford High School. Although he enjoyed the work, what really fascinated him was the machinery. He was naturally mechanical and often found himself more interested in fixing equipment than farming.
That curiosity led him to study Machine Tool Operation at Mid-State Technical College in Wisconsin Rapids. Machining became his lifelong career, and he spent many years working at Felker Brothers. Verlyn took pride in his work and believed strongly in the value of the skilled trades.
Those who knew Verlyn remember him as talkative, friendly, and incredibly knowledgeable. He loved visiting with people—whether it was catching up over a meal, talking on the phone, or working alongside others. He had a special appreciation for the younger generation and enjoyed seeing people learn, work hard, and grow.
Verlyn was also deeply connected to his family. Even though he never married or had children of his own, family meant everything to him. He organized reunions, kept relatives informed about family events, and had an incredible knowledge of family history. In many ways, he served as the family’s historian and storyteller.
Throughout his life, Verlyn was always tinkering. He loved projects and fixing things, and it wasn’t unusual to find several works-in-progress around him at any given time. He was someone who liked to figure things out and do things his own way.
Education played an important role in Verlyn’s life, but he also believed something very important: success doesn’t always come from perfect grades. As someone who didn’t consider himself a top student academically, he believed deeply that people with determination, strong work ethic, and practical skills could build meaningful and successful careers.
That belief inspired this scholarship.
Through a gift from his estate, Verlyn created a scholarship to fully support students pursuing a degree in Machine Tool, Welding, Electrician, Plumbing, or similar trades at Mid-State Technical College. The scholarship focuses on helping students who may not always see themselves at the top of the class but who are committed to learning a trade and building a better future.
Verlyn wanted students to know: don’t give up on yourself. You don’t have to be perfect to succeed. What matters is showing up, working hard, and continuing to move forward.
Today, his legacy lives on through students who are learning welding, machine tool operation, electrician, plumbing, or similar trades gaining confidence in their skills, and creating opportunities for themselves and their families—just as he hoped they would.