Charles A. Wencl was born on October 6, 1926, in Blooming Prairie, Minnesota, the son of Joseph and Martha (Calverly) Wencl. He attended country schools and worked at Marigold Dairy in Owatonna until he enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1942. He was aboard the USS Vella Gulf and served in the Pacific Ocean. Charles was honorably discharged in 1946 and began work at the Owatonna bowling alley and as a carpenter and electrician. He was an avid dancer and met his future wife, Elaine Sanders, at a dance. Charles and Elaine were married on September 13, 1950, in Owatonna. In 1951 Charles was hired to take care of the National Guard Armory in Owatonna and later was hired as an agent for the Railway Express Agency in Owatonna. He continued to work for the Railway Express Agency in Owatonna until 1958 when he transferred to Alexandria. In 1959 he transferred to Charles City, Iowa, before returning to Alexandria for good in 1961. Charles continued to work for the Railway Express Agency until 1969 when he became employed at 3M in Alexandria. He retired from 3M in 1988.
During his lifetime Charles was active as a drummer in several dance bands. Until 1961 he was part of "Paul’s Little Band" in Owatonna, he then played in the "George Savatius Band" before forming the "Charles Ray Trio" in 1966. He was fortunate to have all of his children play at some time in his bands.
Charles and Elaine had wintered in San Juan, Texas, since the late 1970s. He was a Boy Scout leader for many years and also enjoyed hunting, fishing, crafts, and people in general. Charles died on Sunday, April 15, 2001, at the McAllen Medical Center in McAllen, Texas, at the age of 74 years. He is survived by his wife Elaine Wencl of Osakis; children: Chuck (Mandy) Wencl of Alexandria; Ron (Anita) Wencl, of Ham Lake; Linda (Pat) White of Stacy; Mark (Darcy) Wencl of Plymouth; brother: Kenneth Wencl of Smyrna, GA; sisters: Betty Wencl of Owatonna, Marilyn Dulas of West St. Paul; and seven grandchildren.
Funeral services were held on Friday, April 20, 2001, from the Bethesda Lutheran Church in Alexandria, Minnesota, with Reverend Marilee Bergerson officiating. Musicians were Carol Jacobson, Chuck Wencl, Mark Wencl and Jan Holverson. Interment was in the Carlos Prairie Cemetery with Jim Sanders, Dan Urch, Dave Urch, Tim Turnlund, Larry Wiskerchen, and Don Wencl serving as pallbearers. Bill Riggs played Taps. Military honors were accorded by the VFW Post #936.
Arrangements were with the Anderson Funeral Home.