Edward Wenzler

Edward Wenzler is the president of William Wenzler and Associates Architects Inc., Milwaukee. Wenzler, 53, joined the firm in 1979 after earning his bachelor’s degree in architecture from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. In the following decade, he rose through the ranks in the firm, finally taking the president’s seat in 1991.

Over the course of his career, Wenzler published several articles about architecture and saw his name on various “Who’s Who” lists. But he never found himself on the business end of Wisconsin Builder’s Burning Questions … until now.

How would you like to die?

“Like most everyone, at home in my bed with my family and those who love me around. … If not home in bed, then in a really fast car and a fiery crash on a track following speeds in excess of 200 mph.”

If heaven exists, what would you like to hear God say when you arrive at the pearly gates?

“Job well done my good and faithful servant.”

What is your motto?

“It’s a new day full of fresh opportunities.”

If you could change one thing about yourself what would it be?

“I would like to have less focus on myself and a greater understanding of the needs of those around me.”

On what occasion do you lie?

“I like to think that under no circumstance would I lie, but that’s a lie. I think that I would lie if I really believed that the truth would cause harm.”

What is your idea of perfect happiness?

“Living the life of Jesus. Not that it would be, ‘Wow this is fun.’ But to have a life without sin, without disconnect from God will be perfect.”

What do you regard as the lowest depth of misery?

“… A life without faith, and life disconnected from Jesus. God has a plan for us, and it is by faith in his Son. Without Jesus, there simply are no answers, no hope.”

What is your current state of mind?

“How many more questions are there here? I’m running out of
things to say.”

Which living person do you most admire?

“My wife. She is an amazing woman of God, beautiful, and, somehow, she finds a way to encourage me every day.”

What is your greatest extravagance?

“It would have to be our boat. … It’s our summer vacation and our downtown condo.”

Which words or phrases do you most overuse?

“Dear. I will refer to anyone I am talking to as dear.”