Lillian Lena Wenzel

Lillian Lena Wenzel

1937 - 2026

Peacefully on February 20th, 2026, Lil passed away at the age of 88 at the Swan Valley Lodge.

Lillian Lena was born to Bert and Tina Eisner of Minitonas. She was the second oldest of 8 siblings. She attended Ravensworth school in the rural municipality of Minitonas.

Lil married the love of her life Leonard Wenzel on April 29 th 1953 in Minitonas. They were married for 71 years till Leonard passed in 2024. They resided on the farm till 2023 upon being hospitalized due to health issues.

After marrying they moved to the farm where Lil worked side by side with Leonard on their mixed farming operation. She had a strong work ethic and there wasn’t much she didn’t do. You could find her milking cows in the morning and evening or tending to the pigs and chickens. She could drive a team of horses or be on the tractor in the field. She combined or drove the grain truck. She was fully involved on their farm.

There were no modern conveniences in those early days. Lil worked diligently to care for and provide for her family. The garden was huge and not only supplied her family but the neighbours too. Canning and preserving were a necessity and Lil enjoyed providing for her family. She was an amazing talented chef who could make meals with just about anything. Her baking was second to none. No need for recipes, she knew them by heart. She took pleasure in visiting with family and friends and neighbours. The coffee pot was always on, and the goodies were on the table. No matter if it was a meal or just coffee it was guaranteed no one would leave the table hungry.

The family was blessed with two sons Kevin and Ronald. She taught the boys strong work ethics and that hard work never hurt anyone.

She looked forward to fishing with her family and friends on Sundays. The cooler was always full of fried chicken and potato salad just in case the fish weren’t biting. Family and friends were extremely important to Lil. Family reunions and birthday celebrations with family were highlights for her. She never missed the birthday of her family or friends. If your name was on the calendar a call was made to wish you a happy birthday. Her life revolved around her family and friends, and she stayed in touch with everyone. When she had spare time, she liked to read and crochet. In the late 80’s she decided to join the workforce. She worked for Natural Resources manning the fire towers watching for fires. It was an 80 foot climb up and down the tower each day. She enjoyed her time at the job.

Lil was thrilled to be a grandma and enjoyed having her grandchildren nearby to spoil.

Left to cherish her memory are sons Kevin (Lynne) children Jason, Gerrad, Candace (Michael) Hunter and their children Sterling and Jett, son Ronald (Laura) children Anthony (Lisa) children Griffin ,Wyatt, Isla and Quinn Machan, Jenna(Reise) children Penelope and Olivia, sisters Wilma(Barry) Swenson, Martha Maki(Clive), Tina(Jack) Keown, brothers Irwin and Nick, and many nieces, nephews and their families 

Lil was predeceased by her husband Leonard, her parents Bert and Tina Eisner, her in laws Fred and Nettie Wenzel, sister and brother-in-law Freida and Les Wheeler, sister Amie Eisner, sister-in-law Judy Eisner, and brother-in-law Terry Maki.

If friends desire, memorial donations in memory of Lil may be made to CancerCare Manitoba Foundation 675 McDermot Ave Winnipeg, MB R3E 0V9.