Lila J. Wenzel

Lila J. Wenzel was born on Sept. 17, 1932, in Watertown, WI to Bryan and Minnie Draginis. She passed on September 29, 2025 in Brookfield, WI. Lila is survived by her loving husband, Donald Wenzel and three sons. Steve (Wendy) Wenzel of Adams, WI, Jeff (Karen) Wenzel of Littleton, CO and John (Cindy) Wenzel of Marinette, WI, seven grandchildren and one great grandchild, sister-in-law Suzanne (Wenzel) Vogel and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her brothers Donald (Mary) Draginis, Dennis (Lilas) Draginis, brothers-in-law Lloyd (Katherine) Wenzel, Glenn (Helen) Wenzel and Jay Vogel.

Lila grew up in Watertown, WI and was raised by her widowed mother, Minnie (Gallert) Draginis. Her father, Bryan Draginis, was a pilot who lost his life in a plane crash in Beaver Dam in 1933. She graduated from Watertown High School.

Lila met Don in 1948 and married in 1951 before he entered service. After Don’s military service, they settled in Milwaukee. They moved to Brookfield in 1960. After raising her three sons, Lila worked at her husband’s State Farm Insurance Agency in Milwaukee.

Lila also cared for her elderly mother in Watertown, bringing her sons along to help. The Draginis family was involved with the Classic Theatre in Watertown and seeing a movie was always fun.

Lila was a longtime member of Immanuel Lutheran Church. She and Don were the second longest married couple in their church celebrating 74 years together. As a family, they were longtime members of the Watertown Outboarders Boat Club. For many years, they spent weekends boating the Rock River. They also took extended boat trips on the Mississippi River and to Florida.

Lila generously supported numerous charities and service organizations. She particularly supported veterans, animal rescue and American Indians. Lila loved the holiday season decorating her home and yard. She collected and displayed numerous figurines and keepsakes. Hosting Christmas gatherings with family and friends was the highlight of the year.

Lila Wenzel will be deeply missed by her husband, family and friends.

Visitation will be held at Immanuel Lutheran Church, 13445 Hampton Road, Brookfield, WI 53005 on Sunday, October 12, 2025 from 12:30 PM – 2:45 PM. Funeral Service 3:00 PM

In lieu of flowers, the family has requested donations in memory of Lila Wenzel to Tunnel to Towers https://t2t.org/, Immanuel Lutheran Foundation, or Immanuel Lutheran “Called To Be” building project. https://www.immanuelbrookfield.org/