Francis J. Wenzell

Francis J. Wenzell, 92, of Kingston, passed away Tuesday, November 1, 2016. He was born September 7, 1924 in Poughkeepsie, to the late George W. Wenzell and Helen (Smith) Wenzell. He was married to Carolyn (Daugherty) Wenzell, they wed on November 29, 1986 at St. James United Methodist Church in Kingston.


Fran attended Poughkeepsie Schools and later enlisted in the US Navy on September 11, 1941. He was a veteran of WWII and Korea, and retired at the rank of Chief Boatswain in May of 1965. After retiring from the Navy, he went to work for Hercules from 1966 - 1982.


An avid sailor, Fran sailed on the Hudson with his "NORSTAR" for many years with much enjoyment. He was a member of Kingston AARP Chapter 2039 and St. James United Methodist Church. One of his volunteer passions was making handcrafted Crosses, which he then sold as a fundraiser for the church.


In addition to his wife he is survived by his children, RiAnne Keir of Kingston, Jim (Kathy) Williams of Maryland, LaLynne (Dan) Friedrich of Albany, grandchildren, Ian (Faith) Keir, Karissa Keir, Cameron (Alexa) Keir, Moriah Keir, all of Kingston, Rebecca Williams and Shannon Williams of Maryland, and a great grandchild to come in March of 2017. He is also survived by his cousin, Guy "Bing" Crosby and his children, Joel, Scott, and Jennifer, and his cousin, Joseph "Allen" Fassbender and his children, Kim and Karen, as well as his beloved maltese, "BEGE" and many other dear family and friends. He is predeceased by his son in law Morgan Keir, and his cousins, Carol Fassbender and Pam Crosby.


Entrusted to the care of Keyser Funeral & Cremation Service, 326 Albany Avenue, Kingston, where friends and family may visit on Sunday November 6th from 1pm to 5pm. The funeral service will take place on Monday November 7th at 11am at St. James UMC, 29 Pearl St., Kingston. Inurnment in the Wiltwyck Cemetery Masoleum will take place privately.


In lieu of flowers donations may be made to St. James UMC, 29 Pearl Street, Kingston, NY 12401 or American Heart Association at www.Heart.org .