SUSSEX, Wis. — World War II Veteran Allen Wenzel celebrated his 101st birthday surrounded by family and friends.

He is one of 3,700 living World War II veterans in Wisconsin, according to the most recent numbers from the National World War II Museum.

Wenzel has four children, seven grandchildren and several great-grandchildren. His only daughter, Darlene Kindt, said she was happy to celebrate her father.

“He always keeps telling me he’s never expected to live this long,” said Kindt. “He was a fishermen, a bowler and a sheepshead player.”

He served in the Army Air Corps, which is why the Wisconsin American Legion Riders made a stop at his party to wish him a happy birthday and thank him for his service.

Veteran Mary Ryan said it’s an honor to help celebrate his birthday.

“Anything we can do to help the vets out,” said Ryan. “We just want to honor the vets.”

Wenzel celebrated with cake and ice cream after the motorcycle parade. He said he had to think about his birthday wish.

He said, jokingly, his secret to getting to 101 is to "just don't die." His family said his humor has gotten him through the years.