ForeverMissed
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This memorial website was created in memory of our loved wife, mother, sister, friend and colleague, Wencke Du Plessis . Whether in her academic, sporting or personal life, Wencke achieved at the highest levels, and was truly an inspiration to many. We will remember her forever.

The memorial service for Wencke was held in Berlin on Tuesday AUGUST 25 at 11:00. Thanks for all the support from family and friends during the past months, it has been encouraging and helped us to focus on our blessings.

Wencke was also a keen supporter of charitable causes, and some have asked if they could donate as a way to remember her. We know Wencke would have appreciated any charitable donation. An example is the Overseas Disability Charity, CBM, who tackle poverty, prevent blindness, improve health and change the lives of disabled people in some of the in the poorest places of the world. Donations can be made through their website https://www.cbmuk.org.uk. If you donate to any charity for Wencke, please do let us know – thank you.
June 5, 2023
June 5, 2023
Dear Albert, Vincent, Abigail and family and friends. My thoughts were with you all on Saturday.
I sent you an e-mail on Saturday Albert, but it was no longer active. I hope you are all well.
Love
Ann
June 5, 2023
June 5, 2023
You might have left us but your legacy and memory lives forever in our hearts.
June 3, 2023
June 3, 2023
3 Jahre...und immer noch sprachlos..unmöglich...
June 3, 2022
June 3, 2022
Thinking of Wencke, Albert, Abigail, Vincent, Dirk, and Tati today.
November 25, 2021
November 25, 2021
Thanksgiving 2021

Grateful for Wencke's spirit and legacy that lives on in all of us.

Keith
June 3, 2021
June 3, 2021
Wencke remains very much missed. She would be very proud of the progress made in the lives of her family, I think, as proud as we are of her own achievements in the time she had. Lives well lived, indeed.
March 12, 2021
March 12, 2021
I was so sorry to hear. I met Wenke at a conference several years ago and was touched by her immediate warmth and friendliness. She generously helped me interpreting radiographs many times over the years, showing such care and concern for my patients. Wishing peace for her family.
December 24, 2020
December 24, 2020
Thinking about you...
Missing you.....
October 21, 2020
October 21, 2020
Albert, I am shocked!
Have send birthday greetings to Wencke and found this side!
Can‘t believe it!
What has hapend?
Warmest greetings
Lore
October 21, 2020
October 21, 2020
Tage wie dieser,

an Dich zu denken, und Dich nicht mehr erreichen zu können...... Dir nicht mehr gratulieren zu können,..

das schmerzt......
August 24, 2020
August 24, 2020
Mrs. Wenke is a caring person, whose kindness should not be forgotten. She was an incredible mother who raised two equally kind children, We could all stand to learn from her optimistic attitude and spirit of adventure. -Josh S.

Mrs. Wenke, you were a terrific mother that managed to raise two amazing kids. You are such a outgoing and charismatic person who always strived to bring everyone a smile. Also, you achieved so much in your personal life and stopped at nothing to be the best person you can be. May you memory live on through the ones blessed enough to know you.- Kaniel
July 10, 2020
July 10, 2020
Dear Albert, Abigail and Vincent,
I am deeply saddened and shocked to hear the news about Wencke. Whenever I think about Wencke a smile comes to my face. She had always so much energy and ideas to do things differently and exhibited so much positiveness. Wencke, I will deeply miss seeing you and laughing with you. Albert and kids, I send you lots of strength in these difficult times. Susanne
July 3, 2020
July 3, 2020
We are so saddened by this news. During our time in St. Kitts, I remember Wencke always bringing so much warmth to our interactions, and her smile was infectious. Albert and family - we send you love and wish you peace during this time. - Sara and Zach
July 1, 2020
July 1, 2020
I am so sad and shocked to hear this news.  I met Wencke at many conferences and we chatted and laughed together.  I have many fond memories of her. I send my deepest condolences to her family at this very sad time. You are in my thoughts, Victoria Johnson x
June 30, 2020
June 30, 2020
Wird ein Mensch mitten aus dem Leben gerissen, ist es schwer für alle Angehörigen, Freunde, Bekannte. Es stellt sich unweigerlich die Frage nach dem Warum. Niemand kann die Frage beantworten, warum es Wencke nicht beschieden war mit Albert und ihren Kindern alt zu werden. Auch wenn der Schmerz zur Zeit überwiegt, so sollte man dankbar sein, über die Zeit, die man mit ihr verbringen durfte. Ich hatte damals mit Wencke und Albert eine schöne Zeit in Südafrika. Für mich war das ruhige Silvester ohne Knallerei eine ganze neue Erfahrung und auch die schöne Wanderung, die wir zusammen gemacht haben. Ich habe Wencke als einen glücklicher positiven Menschen kennengelernt. Für alle, die sie vermissen, mag es ein Trost sein, dass sie ihr Leben so gelebt hat wie sie es wollte. Ich wünsche Albert, ihren Kindern und ihren Familienangehörigen die Kraft den schweren Verlust zu verarbeiten und sich an die tollen Momente zu erinnern, die sie zusammen erlebt haben.
June 29, 2020
June 29, 2020
Liewe Albert, Abigail en Vincent. My hart gaan uit na julle. Ek vertrou dat julle die liewe Vader se troos sal ervaar. Ons harte is saam met julle sin seer. Liefde tannie Alma Olivier
June 22, 2020
June 22, 2020

Liebe Krümel,

was Dich immer wesentlich ausgezeichnet hat, bringen diese Worte ganz wunderbar zum Ausdruck:

"Das habe ich noch nie vorher versucht, also bin ich völlig sicher, dass ich es schaffe."
Astrid Lindgren (Pippi Langstrumpf)

Ich bin dankbar für unsere Freundschaft und glücklich über die vielen schönen und bunten Erlebnisse mit Dir, die mir nun als Erinnerungen bleiben werden.

Traurige Grüße von
Streusel Regina

June 20, 2020
June 20, 2020
Dear Albert and children
May all the lovely memories you have made together over the years give you strength for the years ahead.
You are in our thoughts and we hope you will find peace as you go forward.
Robert & Melinda
South Africa
June 19, 2020
June 19, 2020
"We didn't realise we were making memories, we just knew we were having fun"
Winnie the Pooh

Die Erinnerungen an Wencke und die gemeinsamen Zeiten werden immer in meinen Gedanken bleiben

Danny

June 16, 2020
June 16, 2020
Wir kannten Wencke seit 1990 und freuten uns über jedes Treffen. Leider wurden diese selten, als sie aus Berlin in die weite Welt zog. Wencke war ein sehr gern gesehener Gast und über die vielen Jahre immer eine gute Freundin, mit der wir viel lachten und immer interessante Stunden verlebten. Wir vermissen sie sehr. Sie wird in unseren Gedanken bleiben. Albert, Abigail und Vincent, Ihr seid bei uns immer willkommen und wir wünschen euch viel Kraft.
Antje, Horst mit Anna, Christina und Theresa.

Das schönste Geschenk ist gemeinsame Zeit. Denn keiner weiß, wie viel uns davon bleibt.

We knew Wencke since 1990 and were happy about every meeting. Unfortunately, these became rare when she moved from Berlin to the wide world. Wencke was a very welcome guest and over the many years always a good friend, with whom we laughed a lot and always spent interesting hours. We miss her very much. She will remain in our minds. Albert, Abigail and Vincent, you are always welcome with us and we wish you much strength.
Antje, Horst mit Anna, Christina und Theresa.

The most beautiful gift is time together. Because no one knows how much of it remains for us.
June 15, 2020
June 15, 2020
Albert, Abigail and Vincent, our hearts go out to you.

Kindness and care for other people radiated from Wencke. She helped me with Christmas ornaments in Children’s Church and what a blessing to have Abigail and Vincent on Sundays at Caribbean Christian Fellowship. She was an outstanding mother.

Wencke invited me over for dinner when Jerry had to suddenly leave the island as his father fell gravely ill and I was alone. What a time to feel the comfort of the du Plessis family and your friendship. She cared.

Her love for Albert was so evident as I watched her cross the finish line holding his hand in the St. Christopher’s Children’s Home Race. How many wives can keep up with their husbands in a race? She was strong.

Having dinner with the Grayson’s, the Riddle’s and your family before we left the island is a special memory. Your family is loved.

Praying for your family,
Jerry and Laurie
June 15, 2020
June 15, 2020
Wencke’s friendly excitement (either in real life or over the phone etc.) made one feel truly welcome in her presence. Her kindness surfaced in all aspects of her life I knew her in. I remember the visits, the fellowship and the laughs which started on the “plot” near “Wonderboom” and later at “Harties”. After all the years you will always keep on being part of our lives through all that you invested in us. All our love Cobus, Willemien, Ockert and Christiaan.
June 15, 2020
June 15, 2020
"Freundschaft überspannt Raum und Zeit"

Connie, Thomas, Antonia und Matthias
June 15, 2020
June 15, 2020
Albert, Abigail, Vincent, and all the people that Wencke touched:
May all the beautiful memories of Wencke warm your hearts, ease your pains, and bring peace, now and through the days and years ahead.

“What is lovely never dies, but passes into another loveliness, star-dust or sea-foam, flower or winged air.” —Thomas Bailey Aldrich

June 14, 2020
June 14, 2020
I first met Wencke in 1995 when we were both vet students spending some time at the vet school in Paris and I saw her for the last time when she came to visit for a couple of weeks in 2019. In almost 25 years she had hardly changed - her huge smile and boundless enthusiasm seemed the same, along with a determination to make the most of every opportunity. As students we had bonded over an interest in zoological medicine and after our time in Paris had ended, I always looked forward to her letters telling me about her travels and work experience – a highlight was seeing practice at Calgary Zoo which she had enjoyed so much that I immediately applied to go there myself. Fast forward a few years, by which time we had both qualified and by a lucky coincidence we bumped into each other at Ondestepoort where I had taken a bear from Jo’burg Zoo for spinal radiographs. We reconnected and with our children almost exactly the same age, our families enjoyed many wonderful moments together at Wencke and Albert’s beautiful house in Hartbeespoort, at the zoo or on trips to Pilanesburg or Mabula. Although by then a specialist in diagnostic imaging, Wencke’s passion for zoo medicine meant she was always happy to help us out by imaging cases at the zoo or collaborating on research projects. I only saw her a few times after we both left South Africa in 2010, however we kept in touch by email and I’m so grateful that she was able to visit last year. We spent the evenings catching up and reminiscing – she was so proud of Abigail and Vincent and excited about her new job in Calgary and especially the thought of helping out with some imaging at the zoo. Wencke was an incredible person - so full of life, so accomplished in so many ways. She flew high and she enriched the lives of all around her – her passing is a huge loss to everyone that loved her. We will never forget her. Sending our love and thoughts to Albert, Abigail and Vincent.

Michelle, Dave, Molly and Sam
June 13, 2020
June 13, 2020
Wencke was kind. She was the among the first colleagues to really welcome me when I arrived at Ross, and provided supportive camaraderie throughout my time there, which was most appreciated. She achieved at the highest levels academically, and in her profession – she was dedicated to helping animals, and her students. She was unbelievably strong – completing a full iron man event, when all I could manage was a half marathon. She was brave, casually letting me know (as we were about to swim 4 km from Nevis to St Kitts, during the annual inter-island race) that the previous year she saw a 12 foot hammerhead on the crossing (…!), and accompanying my merry band of crazy friends and I along the most extreme knife-edged ridge on the British mainland, as part of my wedding festivities in 2019. Wencke was not only kind; she was definitely one of a kind. It’s very rare to find anyone with such a mix of strength, self-discipline, fearlessness, high achievement, and also kindness. Wencke will indeed be sorely missed. But she will never be forgotten. There is no doubt that the memories of Wencke will continue to inspire us, for years and decades to come.
June 13, 2020
June 13, 2020
So many wonderful memories. Too many to name. Wencke, we will miss you and always love you. So sorry for your loss Albert, children and the Wagner family. Love to you all.
June 13, 2020
June 13, 2020
Albert my brother I am very sorry for your loss. May your lovely wife and my former colleague, Wenke, Rest In Peace. I pray that you, the kids and your family receive comfort during this difficult time. You are not alone my brother. We may be thousand of kilometers in distance but close to you in what you are going through. Take care and keep strong. Fortune Sithole
June 13, 2020
June 13, 2020
Wencke was always busy, highly productive and active, fun and adventurous. She was inspiring, super strong and caring, and dedicated to education. I only met her a few times, unfortunately.

We loved having her at our special wedding (see Andrew's note) last July. It was so impressive that she climbed Crib Cogh in gale force conditions with Andrew (in full wedding clothes and dancing shoes) and four other men. (My group took an easier route up Mt Snowdon in the mist and very strong wind.) Wencke loved it.

We are thinking of those whose hearts she touched. Our thoughts are particularly with Albert, Abigail, Vincent and close family and friends.

May Wencke forever continue to inspire people to have fun, achieve, excel and learn. Much love, Jasmijn
June 13, 2020
June 13, 2020
It is with deep sorrow learning that Wencke is no more. I met her at the University of Pretoria during my visit to the department as a IVRA delegate. I learnt so much from from Wencke and Tim Spotswood. Wencke is so brilliant, charming and loving. She is full of energy and enthusiasm. Her passion for diagnostic imaging is incomparable. I can only pray that the Lord comfort the family she left behind and her soul rest in peace
June 12, 2020
June 12, 2020
Wencke was a dear friend, colleague, swimming buddy, and fellow international traveler. I'll remember her for her die-hard adventuresome spirit, quick humor and big smile, and desire to always do things right, whether in her personal or professional life. Well, that and how she always made me swim on the outside so I'd get eaten by a shark while she could swim to safety...

To Albert, Abigail, and Vincent, my deepest condolences. I love you, and I can only imagine how much you miss her, because I know how much I do.
Many hugs and prayers for each of you,
Julie and Clara Williamson
June 12, 2020
June 12, 2020
My sincere condolences to the family for their loss of Dr. du Plessis. She left us far too soon and I hope her memories are a source of strength and comfort during this time and that she will forever be in our hearts.
June 12, 2020
June 12, 2020
Wencke was a person who loved her family and God's beautiful creatures. She was passionate about the outdoors, her work and teaching, and inspired many a young veterinarian in her love for diagnostic imaging. Albert, Abigail, Vincent - we pray you and the rest of the family receive God's comfort and peace in this time - Ann and John
June 11, 2020
June 11, 2020
My dear friend who was so passionate about life and love. I will miss your strong opinions and ready smiles and laughter....and so much more. My love to Albert, Vincent and Abigail.
June 11, 2020
June 11, 2020
I am so sorry to hear of Wencke’s passing. She was a wonderful person, full of positive energy. I will remember her for her strength love of the outdoors and most of all her dedication to her family. I was so fortunate to get to know her in St Kitts.
Wencke was an amazing mom which is reflected in her two beautiful children but she also had an amazing career in veterinary education and made a difference in the lives of thousands of veterinary students. 

Abigale and Vincent you were the centre of her world. No matter how busy she was she always prioritised time to make beautiful memories with you and your dad. My thoughts are with you, Vincent Abigale and Albert. With love Robin
June 11, 2020
June 11, 2020
I met Dr. du Plessis at the Calgary Zoo during one of my fourth year veterinary school rotations. We were working with marmots together and having a beautiful day. She was so kind and gentle. She shared her knowledge gracefully. She spoke about her children with such pride. What a wonderful woman to learn from and spend time with. I wish her loved ones healing and the strength to navigate this difficult time.
Olivia Schmidtz
June 11, 2020
June 11, 2020
I have known Dr. Wencke du Plessis since she came to Ross University in 2010. I have learnt so much from her in terms of diagnostic imaging. She was always very enthusiastic and passionate about ultrasound especially when dealing with exotic animals. I offer my condolences to Albert, Abigail and Vincent and may God grant you peace and comfort during this very difficult time.

Gilda Rawlins-Vaughan
June 11, 2020
June 11, 2020
We are deeply saddened by the news of Wencke's passing. We wish you strength and resolve and hold you close and deep in our hearts.

Our prayers and thoughts are with you.

Tammi and Eddy
June 11, 2020
June 11, 2020
I snorkeled with Wenke and loved her ebullient joy of seeing the ocean creatures. Her eyes would twinkle in her mask and her lips would smile around her snorkel. As she would go by my home on the way to her many many runs, she would always smile that big smile and wave. She loved her family so much. My heart goes out to Albert, Abigail and Vincent.. So many people sending them loving energy right now. I hope they can feel it.
June 11, 2020
June 11, 2020
We are soooo sorry to hear the sad news. Wencke was a wonderful professor and an amazing person. Working at RUSVM 2010-2012, we got to know Wencke, Albert, and their beautiful kids; We did hiking together, and we had parties together. We will miss you!
June 11, 2020
June 11, 2020
" Träume sind dafür da, verwirklicht zu werden"

- Wencke -
June 11, 2020
June 11, 2020
Wencke - my German daughter who came into my life in the 1980s when she joined the family for a year as an exchange student. She quickly fitted into th family. We hiked, biked, skied, and taught her to birdwatch.
She came determined to make the most of her year in the USA. Typical Wencke - she absorbed completely all of the experiences that year. She was a great student and was approached by numerous colleges with offers of scholarships but she wanted to go back home for more education.
We have been in touch over the years and visited with one another whenever  possible. I have come to know her husband and children and enjoyed the time spent with all of them.
I loved and admired the woman she became and her passing will leave a deep hole in my life. I will love her always.
Her American mother, Sue
June 11, 2020
June 11, 2020
I only knew Dr. du Plessis in the context of professor. She was always an engaging and genuine instructor. I am truly sorry for your lose. I'll keep your family and friends in my prayers.
A donation has been made to CBM in the spirit of Dr. du Plessis' kindness and generosity.
June 11, 2020
June 11, 2020
Albert, Abigail and Vincent, our hearts are absolutely breaking for you.  The memories we have made with Wencke from the time she was an exchange student to the grown successful woman she became will live in our hearts always. It has been such a joy to see her growth throughout the years. An adventurous spirit, a loving wife and mother and someone I personally considered a friend. There are so many precious memories: She invited me to spend time with her at a conference cocktail hour here in Denver. We had the BEST time, talking and laughing like school girls. Lending us her car when we visited St Kitts with my grandhildren and parents so we could tour the island and then meeting and having dinner on the beach and rushing back to catch our cruise ship before it left without us. 
The visits she made here and our wonderful visits to St. Kitts were always so fun and joyous. We are heart broken. Albert, Abigail and Vincent, our love is with you - always.  And we are always here for you.  Steve and Cathy Gardner
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June 5, 2023
June 5, 2023
Dear Albert, Vincent, Abigail and family and friends. My thoughts were with you all on Saturday.
I sent you an e-mail on Saturday Albert, but it was no longer active. I hope you are all well.
Love
Ann
June 5, 2023
June 5, 2023
You might have left us but your legacy and memory lives forever in our hearts.
June 3, 2023
June 3, 2023
3 Jahre...und immer noch sprachlos..unmöglich...
Her Life

A life story chapter...

June 8, 2020
In this section, we will add a chapter by chapter biography of Wencke's life. This may include memorable dates and events from her childhood, youth, and adult life. 
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