Walter E. "Ed" Wenzel, Jr., age 73, of Portage and formerly of Hammond, passed away suddenly on Sunday, November 20, 2016. He was born on March 8, 1944 in Pittsburgh, PA to Walter and Elizabeth Wenzel. He retired in 2006 from Arcelor Mittal Steel where he was a member of the United Steelworker's Union Local # 1010. Ed was an active member of the Valpo Vettes and the Crown Point Corvette Club. He loved his family and cherished the time he spent with his grandchildren. He will always be remembered as a dedicated husband, father, grandfather and friend by those who love him.

Ed is survived by his beloved wife of 53 years, Margaret Wenzel; daughter, Christine (Kenneth) Gospodarek; son, Jayson Wenzel; grandchildren, Connor, Alex, Morgan, Corinne, Cameron; sister, Lynn (Robert) Finke; and brother, Robert Wenzel.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Walter and Elizabeth Wenzel. Memorial contributions in Ed's name may be made to the Hobart Presbyterian Church, 60 N. Washington Street, Hobart, IN.

A funeral service for Ed will take place Saturday, November 26, 2016 at 10:00 am at Rees Funeral Home, 600 West Old Ridge Road, Hobart, IN with Rev. Jeffrey Carter officiating. He will be laid to rest at Calumet Park Cemetery in Merrillville. Visitation will be held Friday, November 25, 2016 from 2:00 pm until 8:00 pm at the funeral home. For more information, please call (219) 942-2109. Online condolences may be shared with the family at www.reesfuneralhomes.com.