Although he ended his teaching career in 1985, Ruben Wenzel’s students made sure he knew what an effect he had on them. Fifty of his former charges held a lunch celebrating his 90th birthday on May 6th at Jax restaurant, and Wenzel was the guest of honor.
Participants had printed quizzes on their plates in the style of their beloved English teacher, who had taught at Sheridan, Northeast Junior High and Edison during his thirty-year stint.
No speeches were given, but Wenzel received a long line of well-wishers at his chair. One of the guests, Virginia Aarland, said: “Don’t ask me what I had for lunch yesterday, but I can still remember all the words he made up.” Another guest said “He was teaching us English, but he was also giving us life lessons. We learned etiquette, grooming and how to speak in public.”
At least two people present had become teachers themselves. Diane Homa, who took Wenzel’s class at Sheridan in 1962, said “Many of us in careers other than teaching have used his ideas and teaching methods.”
As the party broke up, Wenzel said “I’m just grateful to have worked with such wonderful people.”
Former student Denise Engebretson still has her copy of “Elements of Style” from Mr. Wenzel’s English class. And, the students still call him Mr. Wenzel.
(Photos by Mark Peterson)
