Kenneth James Menzel

Kenneth James Menzel, 61, of Thorndale, Texas, passed away on August 5, 2011 at his home.

He was born August 22, 1949, in Taylor, Texas, to Clarence and Fayrene Niemtschk Menzel. He grew up on the family farm just outside of Thorndale, Texas. He attended St. Paul Lutheran School and graduated from Thorndale High School in 1967. After graduation, he worked several different jobs dealing with the farm industry. In 1969, Kenneth joined the United States Army. He was stationed in El Paso, Maryland, Fort Hood, and Corpus Christi.

He married Marjorie Lange on June 5, 1971. Soon after he deployed to Vietnam. His service in Vietnam earned him the National Defense Service Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal, and the Vietnam Campaign Medal.

Kenneth continued to show his patriotism through his involvement with the Veterans of Foreign (VFW). He was a Life Member of VFW Post 4009 in Thorndale and served as Commander for 18 years, also holding several other offices in the Post and District 28.

Kenneth worked as a welder for a couple of different companies, but his passion was farming. His entire life he worked alongside his father, uncles, and brothers to farm land around Thorndale.

He is preceded in death by both his parents and his mother and father-in-law, Milton, Sr. and Ervie Lange.

He is survived by his wife of 40 years, Marjorie Lange Menzel of Thorndale and his children, Kevin Menzel, and wife Jenna of Signal Mountain, TN; Cheryl Menzel Peterson and husband Jeff of Hutto; and Kirby Menzel of Austin.

Kenneth is also survived by his grandchildren, who were the light of his life: Kaleb, Jared, Nathan, and Madeline Menzel of Signal Mountain, TN; and Tanner and Finley Peterson of Hutto, TX. His brothers, Allen and wife Sylvia of Austin, Clifford and wife Mara of Thorndale and his sister, Donna Rupp and husband Gary of San Antonio. He also leaves his brother-in-law Milton Lange, Jr., of Thorndale and sisters-in-law Iris Hoff and husband Leonard of Rockdale and Pat Niemtschk and husband Gerald of Thorndale. Kenneth also leaves many special aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends.

The family would like to thank the doctors and staff of Texas Oncology in Round Rock, Guardian Home Health Care of Georgetown, and the passionate nurses and support staff of Resolutions Hospice of Austin.

Visitation will be held 5:00-7:00 P.M. Sunday, August 7, 2011 at Providence Funeral Home. Funeral services will be 10:00 A.M. Monday, August 8, 2011 at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Thorndale, where Kenneth was a lifelong member. Burial will follow in the St. Paul Cemetery. Pastor Bobby Niemtschk will officiate.

Serving as Pallbearers are Earl Weise, Harvey Weise, Frank Menzel, Ronnie Tag, Buddy Atchley and Kevin Skonnard. VFW members will serve as Honorary Pallbearers.