Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Patrolman Wenzel,
On today, the 50th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice-not just for your Community but for our Country as well when you served with the USCGR. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

Semper Paratus!

Mike Casey
United States Border Patrol

January 19, 2023

The "published tome" is "End of Watch : Chicago Police Killed in the Line of Duty, 1853-2006" copyright 2007.
I happened to get this via an order that was serendipitously processed right on 11/17/10 - the 80th anniversary of Robert's Birthday! His memorial is listed on page 494. What remains for me (since I left Chicago in 1978) is a rather timeless photo of Rose on page 495.

I am hoping to hear from any family member who reads this. Please connect with me via: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chefdoctor/
-

chef/jm jem

November 24, 2022

Just discovered this site/webpage among my search results (for a possible contact info for Rose).
This is great! Thank you all for making it so!

There is a published tome dedicated to the officers who lost their lives while serving as Chicago Police Officers that I have and that includes the same photo of Robert/Bob as shown on this webpage. I know exactly where that photo was taken - in the back yard of 3828 N. Bell Ave. where I and my family had lived on the second floor above where my German Grandparents lived (and owned had this two-flat). My uncle Bob, Aunt Shirley and cousins: Mike & Colleen became the second tenants after the John A. Wenzel family moved from there to 5625 W Cornelia in the Summer of 1958 (a couple months before I turned 7).

Several years later when uncle Bob was at our home on Cornelia - dressed in his police uniform I told him I wanted to become a police officer like him. He responded advising me to first go to college. It was some years later when the light of his wisdom behind what he had told me finally dawned in my consciousness. By then Late 60s) I had grown out of my childhood perspective of the world and I no longer wanted to be a police officer.

Then a couple short years after that when I was living in a Church Community Household on Warner Ave. the Sister asked me if I knew a Robert Wenzel as she was watching the news on that fateful day. That was how I learned the news of the end of the life of my most beloved uncle and Godfather!

My father heard the news on the radio while traveling by car apparently through the streets of Chicago and was stopped by Chicago police after he had passed through a red light (obviously oblivious to the light). Naturally he wasn't ticketed after he told that officer that he was the brother of Robert who had just been slain while making his final police stop.

I was inspired to write this after reading all the entries here and especially those by the family members as they deeply moved me emotionally. I was so very blessed to have had uncle Bob in my life throughout all of my childhood all the way up to about age 21!

The final words of wisdom given to me from uncle Bob: Don't get married young!

I am seeking contact with the family.
Please connect with me via: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chefdoctor/
-

john-michael/jm/chef jem
Nephew

November 11, 2022

Rest in peace Patrolman Wenzel.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

December 17, 2019

I still remember the fun we had working at the gas station all those years ago. You are missed and in my prayers every day.

Jim Kirwan
Friend

January 16, 2018

I will always remember the days we worked together at the malt house ,and how much you wanted to be a police officer. you were always a class act and will never be forgotten. Richard a kretzschmar

RICHARD A KRETZSCHMAR
FRIEND

April 28, 2014

Rest in Peace, Patrolman Wenzel. Your sacrifice is not forgotten.

Officer 11169

April 27, 2012

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 39th anniversary of your death. Your memory lives and you continue to inspire. Thank you for your service. My cherished son Larry Lasater was a fellow police officer murdered in the line of duty on April 24, 2005 while serving as a Pittsburg, CA police officer.

Time never dimishes respect and your memory will always be honored and revered.. I pray for the solace of all those who love and miss you for I know the pain and pride are forever. Your family is in my heart's embrace today. Rose, thank you for sharing your love story with us.

Rest In Peace

Phyllis Loya
Mom of fallen California Officer Larry Lasater, Pittsburg PD, eow 4/24/05

January 19, 2012

You will never be forgotten Officer Wenzel, may you RIP brother.

James Kotke
Civilian / Former Officer
WSF Park Police (Wi.)

January 19, 2012

I never got to know him, I wish I had. I am really grateful for this site honoring his memory and I just learned that Luckey died from reading the reflections.

Michael Wenzel
Grandson

July 29, 2011

Rest In Peace, Bob.

Richard Luckey left Stateville yesterday--in a pine box en route to Hell.

(Sgt.) John Northen (Ret.)
Chicago Police Department

June 29, 2011

It has been 38 years since your bravery, but please know the Chicago Police Department will never allow you to be forgotten. You are a true hero.

Detective Thomas Downes
Chicago

January 18, 2011

Another year may have passed but you have not been forgotten. You are a true hero and heroes never die.

Bob Gordon
Father of Chicago Officer: Michael P. Gordon, EOW: 8/8/04

January 19, 2010

On this the 37th anniversary of your sacrifice you are not forgotten.

Detective
Chicago

January 17, 2010

Do not stand at my grave and weep I am not there,I do not sleep.I am a thousand winds that blow. I am the diamond glint on snow.I am the sunlight on ripened grain.I am the gentle autumn rain. When you wake in the morning hush I am the swift uplifting rush of quiet birds in circling flight. I am the soft starlight at night. Do not stand at my grave and weep. I am not there. I do not sleep. Anonymous / Colleen daughter 11-17-o9

Anonymous

November 19, 2009

We are still out there fighting the good fight....rest easy HERO!

Anonymous

June 10, 2009

Love and miss you grandpa, you are a true hero.

DMM

February 1, 2009

To My Bob, it is now 36 years( I made a mistake the last time on the # of years) It is unbelievable to me. our children were so young we were so young. We are so much older now and you are still 36. I guess we will always remember you as you were so very handsome and such a wonderful father and husband. We all miss you so very much. If it takes forever. All My Love Your Rose

Rose
Widow

January 19, 2009

Thinking of you and all of your loved ones on this day. Continue to keep watch over all of them. You have not been forgotten as you are a true hero.

Bob Gordon
Father of Chicago Officer: Michael P. Gordon, EOW: 8/8/04

January 19, 2009

YOU ARE REMEMBERED TODAY AND THANK YOU SIR FOR YOUR SERVICE

VANDENBERGHE
MANCHESTER, NH

January 11, 2008

Just wanted you to know I was thinking of you and I Love U Your R

November 30, 2007

The Badge"
He starts his shift each day
To respond to calls unknown.
He drives a marked patrol car.
A police officer he is known.
He's paid by the citizens' taxes
To make it safe on the streets.
But he usually has a second job
'Cause a waitress has his salary beat.
Now he doesn't know a holiday
'Cause he works all year round.
And when Thanksgiving and Christmas finally arrive
At his home he cannot be found.
He's cursed and assaulted often,
The one whos blood runs blue.
He seldom ever gets a thanks,
To some he's just a fool.
His friends are always other cops
'Cause people just don't understand
That underneath his badge and gun,
He's just another man.
He knows there might not be a tomorrow
In this world of drugs and crime.
And he gets so mad at the court system
'Cause the crooks don't get any time.
And each day when he leaves for work,
He prays to God above.
Please bring me home after my shift
So I can see the ones I love.
But tonight he stops a speeding car,
He's alone down this ole' highway.
It's just a little traffic infraction.
He does it everyday.
Well, he walks up to the driver's window,
And his badge is shining bright.
He asked the guy for a driver's license,
When a shot rang through the night.
Yes, the bullet hit its mark,
Striking the officer in the chest.
But the Department's budget didn't buy
Each officer a bullet-proof vest.
So he lay on the ground bleeding.
His blood wasn't blue - His blood was red.
And briefly he thought of his loved ones
'Cause in a moment the officer was dead.
In the news they told the story
Of how this officer had died.
And some who listened cared less,
But those who loved him cried.
Well, they buried him in uniform
With his badge pinned on his chest.
He even had his revolver,
He died doing his best.
Written By:
David L. Bell
Sergeant
Richland County Sheriff's Department
Columbia, South Carolina
Used with Special Permission of the Author
Copyright © 1999 - All Rights Reserved
and may not be duplicated without permission

Investigator David L Bell
Richland County Sheriff's Dept., Columbia, SC

October 17, 2007

I am so sad that I never got to meet you. I think about what it would have been like, I am a little overwhelmed thinking how much I would love you. I am so grateful for your life of service.

Michael Wenzel Jr Grandson

August 20, 2007

Rest easy brother...thank you

Patrol Officer
Lafayette PD IN

July 23, 2007

I still remember bob after all these years, great guy always willing to assist another officer!

po billy fraser
cpd 1970-1980

January 27, 2007