Explorer Pipeline honors the memory of Jeffrey A. Wenzell, a supportive leader, skilled engineer, and longtime employee at the Tulsa company. Wenzell died at his Broken Arrow home on October 11, 2010, after a courageous battle with cancer. He was 58. During his 35-year career, Wenzell was involved in the construction and expansion of several important pipelines, including the TransAlaskan Pipeline, Explorer Pipeline and fuel transport systems in the Arctic and the Middle East. Wenzell earned a bachelor's degree in civil engineering from Boston's Northeastern University in 1975. He spent the first 12 years of his career with Williams Brothers Engineering, and later joined Explorer Pipeline. Wenzell, the company's director of engineering, retired on September 30, 2010, after 23 years of service. "I met Jeff when he interviewed for his first Explorer job and knew very quickly that he was a good man," said Rod Sands, Explorer Pipeline president and chief executive officer. "Jeff was a key member of our team and like a family member to many of us. Even when fighting cancer, he remained focused and compassionate to the needs of others." Wenzell was a member of the Pipeline Research Council International's board of directors and also participated actively in the American Petroleum Institute and the Tulsa Pipeliner's Club. His professional contributions impact fuel consumers worldwide everyday. Wenzell is survived by his wife, Jo-Ann; two children, Daniel and Katherine; and his siblings, Karen and Steve. He is preceded in death by his sister, Jan. Donations in Wenzell's honor may be made to Broken Arrow Neighbors (322 W. Broadway, Broken Arrow OK, 74012) or Special Olympics (6835 S. Canton Avenue, Tulsa OK, 74136). This obituary was published in the Tulsa World on 10/17/2010. Calling hours will be held Wednesday, June 29th from 5:00-7:00 PM in the Matarese Funeral Home, 325 Main St. in Ashland.