Robert Wayne Wencel was born in Wellington, KS on March 12, 1966 to Wayne Wencel and Margaret (Knisely) Lowe. Robbie grew up on the family farm west of Caldwell and attended Caldwell schools. He graduated with the class of 1984.
Robbie learned to farm at a very young age, which included driving tractors, combines, and other farm machinery well before he was able to reach the pedals properly. His love of farming was passed along to him from his dad and grandfathers. From growing up on the farm, and also from his mother, he acquired a love for all types of animals. It was not uncommon for him to stop the combine to move a bird’s nest or other baby animals to safety.
After graduation Rob attended Dodge City Community College as well as a technical school in Wichita. He drove a semi delivering cabinets cross-county. He also had many carpentry jobs and became a very skilled carpenter.
Rob married Bonnie Brown in November 1986 and together they had two daughters, Jasinta and Skyler.
Rob married Jan Wilson on April 10, 1995 and gained three more children: Kristin, Jordyn and Blake. Samuel was born to Rob and Jan in April of 1997, completing their family.
In addition to farming with his dad, he also worked for Ginn Construction, Spirit, Oneok, and when he was younger for Jack Sprague at the meat packing plant. It was at the packing plant where he learned the art of skinning deer, along with many other skills; some of which we won’t name!
Rob was a man of many talents and when he put his mind to it, he could do anything. He was an excellent carpenter and handy-man and was always willing to help out anyone in need. He accepted payment in any form or even no payment at all!
Rob always loved taking his kids to the farm and in recent years his grandkids. Whether it was to ride the combine or feed the cows he loved having them with him.
Rob loved the Dallas Cowboys, Kansas Jayhawks and Nascar. He was able to fulfill a life-long dream of attending a Cowboys game on Thanksgiving day a couple years back.
Rob loved bowling and earned a ring for bowling a score of 299. He also loved fishing and hunting and enjoyed taking his kids, including Corbin, to the fishing derby. He was a member of the local Czech Chapter and a board member of the Czech Cemetery Association.
Rob was generous to a fault and known to tip well even if the service was bad. He would never turn away a friend in need.
Rob’s favorite time of year, other than harvest, was Christmas when he could spoil his family. He loved to surprise Jan with a special gift each Christmas, which always included a Christmas card with a unique poem to be shared with his family. His Christmas poems became the highlight of Christmas Eve and Jan and the kids looked forward to them every year.
Rob loved to cook for his family and if one of them couldn’t be there to enjoy it he would usually call them to let them know what they were missing. In the last couple of years he took up baking and made some excellent desserts which he liked to share around town. He also enjoyed baking and decorating cookies with his grandkids at Christmas.
Sadly, he was diagnosed with cancer in July of 2018, and even though he fought like hell to beat it, he lost the battle on December 3, 2020. He will be missed terribly by his loving family and many friends.
Survivors include his wife Jan of Caldwell; daughter Jessy Potts (Colter) of Chandler, AZ; daughter Skyler Wencel (Alec) of Caldwell; son Sam Wencel (Carli) of Wichita; step-daughter Kristin White (Cody) of Wellington; step-daughter Jordyn Rice of Derby; step-son Blake Rice of Caldwell; and honorary son Corbin Rice of Wichita. Grandchildren Karsyn White, Camden White, Adalynn Mendez, Chandler White, Graham Wencel and new baby Potts due in July of 2021. Jessy and Colter were able to share the news of this exciting addition with Rob before his passing. Other survivors include father and step-mother Wayne and Sarah Wencel; and mother Margaret Lowe, all of Caldwell; sister Tyann Orton (Kelly) of Wellington; step-sister Caroline Moore (Randy) of Andover; as well as many cousins, aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and friends.
Rob was preceded in death by his grandparents Frank and Rose Wencel and Ralph and Jewel Knisely; step-father Alfred Lowe; brother Todd Lowe; and step-brother Bryan Barber.
Following cremation, graveside services will be held at 2:30 p.m. on Saturday, December 12, 2020 at the Czechoslovakian Cemetery. A Celebration of Life will follow at 4:00 p.m. at the Caldwell Community Building.
Memorials may be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Research or to the Caldwell Hospital District #1 of Sumner County and sent in care of the mortuary. Robbie wished for no child to suffer from cancer.
Previous Condolences
Leslie
Leslie - 12/03/2020
My heart is heavy. So many memories. Fly high, my friend❤️
Rob was one of a kind. We
Daniel & Jen Kern - 12/03/2020
Rob was one of a kind. We will miss him so much! Our hearts go out to his family. We are so grateful for the memories he has given us. Love you Rob, Daniel and Jen
So sorry to hear of Robbie's
Kevin and Ginge... - 12/04/2020
So sorry to hear of Robbie's passing. Our prayers go out to his family.
Rest in peace cousin.
David Baker - 12/05/2020
Rest in peace cousin.
Thoughts and prayers
Steve Adams - 12/06/2020
Saddened to hear of the passing of Robbie. So many great memories have been replaying in my head over the past days, from childhood to adulthood. Thoughts and prayers go out to the family in this time of loss. Hopefully some peace can be found in knowing his suffering is over and that we all have fond memories of time spent with Robbie to cherish.
Condolences and best wishes
Trish Wesemann - 12/06/2020
It was a sad day to learn Robbie had passed away. His lop-sided grin will be missed around Caldwell. His presence will be long missed by friends and family. Trish Wesemann
So sorry for your loss Jan &
Marla & Benny Farmer - 12/09/2020
So sorry for your loss Jan & family. Rob always had such a wonderful orney smile that will so be missed. Prayers to you all.
Rob was our neighbor for many
Keith baker - 12/11/2020
Rob was our neighbor for many years by farming the carl willey place. He was always good to us. His dad wayne and him were one our few friends out in that area.
So sorry for your loss
Laverne Chapman - 12/13/2020
Sarah and Wayne I'm so sorry to hear the loss of Robbie my thoughts and prayers are with you both missing you both
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