Matthew J. Wenzler

IN HONOR OF MATTHEW (MAX) J WENZLER

Max's story starts and ends in Kettering, Ohio with a journey of life and love in between.


He was born in Dayton, Ohio in 1948 and was raised in Kettering by parents Mathias (Max) and Helen Wenzler. After his mother's passing in his younger adult years, Pauline joined the family as his step-mother. Max was the middle child with an unwavering bond with his sister, Karen and brother, Mike. Their close childhood carried on through their adult lives. Max always enjoyed his time with them and their families. His early adult life included attending The Ohio State University and working for Reynolds & Reynolds until he met his wife, Toni.

Max was smitten with Toni when they met, and they dated for a couple of years until deciding to get married. 1975 was a banner year for him as he married Toni and simultaneously opened a revolutionary bar and gathering place alongside his brother, Mike - Bailiwiks in Centerville. Bailiwiks was a top social hotspot for the Dayton area for many years and Max loved the energy and excitement of the friends he made there. Thanks to their wild success, Max and Mike opened their next popular venue, Oregon Express, remaining an Oregon District staple to this day. In 1984, he took his wife and two children to Naples, Florida to follow his next business ventures and they lived and raised their family there for 20 years.

Max's passion for baseball carried through his whole life and grew further during his time in Florida. He was in love with baseball from the time he started coaching and training his children. Max led his son's team on to win the Florida State Championship in 1998 and working with his daughter to help them win the state title for softball in high school. Max and Toni relocated back to Kettering to further raise their children and remain close with extended family.

He continued on coaching baseball through his next generation of grandchildren. Max greatly enjoyed watching his grandsons play and compete, never losing his passion and joy of the game. He also supported the adventurous spirit of his grandchildren, celebrating their tenacity and creativity. He was so proud to watch his grandchildren grow to the highest level of competition during his time with them and achieve accolades for their individual interests.

Max's life ended peacefully on June 11th, 2023. His family continues to tell his stories and share his spirit. His laughter and sense of humor carries on with us forever. Max's influence in the greater Dayton-area community exemplifies the dignity and character of the generational legacy of the Wenzler family.

He is survived by his wife, Toni, daughter Nicole (Bill), son Matthew (Amber) and three grandchildren and loving dog, Mattie. Sister Karen (Don), nephew Dustin (Chrissy) and children, niece Kylene and child. Brother Mike (Lisa), nieces Amber (Eric), nephew Ryan and niece Marissa.

At Max's request, there will not be a memorial service. The family hopes those who would like to honor him will find a quiet time to remember who Max was in your life and be thankful for the time you had together. If desired, the family suggests a contribution in Max's memory to Cincinnati Children's Hospital (Pediatric Cardiology - Heart Care) to acknowledge the role they have played in the family's life.


In lieu of a public service, individual families are encouraged to support a local baseball team to honor him.


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