Robert 'Porky' Wenzel

Robert Wenzel ("Porky" to everyone he met) passed away Sunday, Dec. 9, 2012, at the age of 91, after a well-fought battle against old age. He is preceded in death by his wife of 57 years, Jane Grier Wenzel; a grandson, Mark Murray; brothers, Frank, Harold and Ralph. Porky Wenzel served in the Army Air Corps and the Air Force as a bomber pilot, flight instructor, navigator and weatherman. After military duty, Porky worked as a civilian for Navy EODF and later Army Material Command. He was the first civilian to graduate the Industrial War College. Porky believed in community service and gave of himself often. Upon retiring to Rogers in 1975, he helped create the Rogers History Museum, served on the Library Board, the Civil Service Commission, the Utility Board, helping get water and sewer development funds out to the community. He helped create a Farmers' Market. He served as Benton County Republican Party Chairman, worked elections at his local precinct, over the years he was a member of many organizations and boards. If there were tables and chairs to be set up, trash to be picked up, people to organize, you would often find Porky Wenzel getting it done. He is survived by his sister, Louise Blanchard of Richmond, Va.; three children and two grandchildren, Dana Wenzel of Dallas, Texas, Sara and husband, Jerry Paschal, of Rogers, Ark., Daniel Wenzel and twins Connor and Grier of Golden, Col.; and a number of cousins, nieces and nephews scattered across the country. There will be a open house at 107 North Drive, Rogers, on Friday, Dec. 14, 4 to 7 p.m. to celebrate and remember his life. Anyone with a story about Porky is encouraged to share. We ask that in lieu of flowers, his friends and neighbors honor his tradition of community commitment and find a local cause or community service in which to donate time or money. Arrangements by Benton County Funeral Home, 306 N. 4th St., Rogers. Online condolence to www.bentoncountyfuneralhome.com.