Krista Sue Wenzel, 61, of Hobart passed away Saturday, May 16, 2026. She was born February 21, 1965, to Richard & Sharon (Mason) Plinovich and attended Aylesworth Middle School and Portage High School. Krista made her career as a leasing agent assisting families with housing options. She enjoyed fixing and delivering food to shut-ins and working at the local food pantry particularly when assisting the elderly. But it was in supporting her husband, Steve’s band, that she truly shone; the campouts at their house with the musicians and their families, cooking out, dancing, encouraging creativity, and just being a part of the extended family that music brought together.
Survivors include her husband, Steven Wenzel, daughters: Jennifer Thompson of Chicago & Michele (Jeremy) Marton of Texas, her mother, Sharon Mason of Valparaiso, her father, Richard Plinovich of Portage, siblings: Kim Plinovich of Valparaiso, David Plinovich (Wendy Krantz Plinovich) of Chesterton, grandchildren: Hannah, Nicholas, Marcos, Matthew & Bella, and many loving nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins & friends. She was preceded in death by her brother, Douglas Plinovich in 1998.
A visitation will be held Friday, May 22nd from 9 – 10 am at St. Paul Catholic Church, 1855 Harrison Blvd., Valparaiso with funeral mass beginning at 10:00 am. Burial will follow at Angelcrest Cemetery. In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to the American Cancer Society or St. Paul Catholic Church Building Fund.
GUESTBOOK
We want to send our condolences to Krista's family Krista was a lovely person. Whenever I talked with her or saw her, she had a smile and greeting on her lips. She was a beautiful young woman who cared for others. I remember her working with the food pantry. What a generous gesture for anyone. I pray that God gives her family the peace of knowing she was safe in the arms of Jesus. -Phyllis Uzelac
I did not know Krista but went to high school; with her father, Dick. at Lew Wallace. I extend my condolences to Krista's entire family. May you find peace in this difficult time. -Chuck Gallion
