Rev. Willie D. Wanzo Sr.
Rev. Willie D. Wanzo, Sr. passed on Tuesday, Oct. 23, 2012 at the age of 86 years-old. Rev. Wanzo was the pastor of one of Milwaukee’s most prominent Black churches, Metropolitan Missionary Baptist Church for four decades.
The church draws 500 plus for Sunday service weekly along with programs such as dishing up hot meals for those in need twice weekly. Rev. Wanzo moved to Milwaukee in 1951, arriving from his birthplace of Pine County, MS. He joined Metropolitan under the leadership of Rev. A. W. Wise, serving as a deacon, assistant Sunday School teacher and Supervisor.
Rev. Wanzo accepted his call to the ministry in 1955 and he served as assistant pastor of the church from 1955 to 1972 under the late Rev. E. M. Kelley. He was appointed interim pastor in August of 1972 and installed as pastor in August of 1973. He studied at various instititions including the Milwaukee School of Engineering, MATC. The American Baptist Institute of Chicago, The Moody Bible Institute and the Christ Church.
Rev. Wanzo was married to Gladys Wanzo for 54 years, and they were blessed with five children: Cassandra, Cathy, Regina, S.M. Sgt. (retired) Willie Wanzo, Jr. and Marcus Wanzo.
He is also survived by six grandchildren.
Services were held for Rev. Wanzo on Sunday, Oct. 28 at Metropolitan.