Obituary: Thomas Edward Wentz

Thomas Edward Wentz, 82, of Saginaw passed away May 22, 2023, at Essentia Health-St. Mary’s Medical Center in Duluth. A memorial service will be held at noon on Tuesday, May 30 at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Twig. Visitation will be held one hour prior, with a lunch to follow the service.

Interment with military honors will be at 3 p.m. at the Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery in Saginaw.

Tom was born Aug. 22, 1940, to Russell Edward and Josephine Elizabeth (Pearson) Wentz in Duluth. He was raised in Duluth and was a graduate of Central High School. Following his education, he enlisted in the U.S. Army. His service included tours in both Germany and Alaska. Tom went on to join the National Guard, from which he later retired. He also had a lengthy career with the U.S. Postal Service, at the Duluth office as a delivery and collection manager and later retiring as the postmaster of the Superior office in the late 1990s.

In his free time, fishing was his main passion. Tom was the owner and captain of the Goddess III Charter Service out of the Lakehead Boat Basin marina for 25 years. He also created lasting memories for his family as a motorhome tour guide on trips to Florida, where he spent many of his winters. While there he loved to spend time working at Disney World. He also enjoyed watching dirt track racing, hosting foreign exchange students, traveling and building things. He stayed active in Minnesota as well, frequently volunteering with the Duluth Playhouse and being involved in many other events and activities. Tom was a member of the Corvette Club and could often be seen driving in the parades. He was a devoted member of Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Twig and Big Coppitt First Baptist Church in Florida.

Many will remember him for his huge heart and kind nature.

Tom is survived by his children, James (Tina) Wentz, Randy “Russ” Wentz, Peppers, and

Michael (Amber) Wentz; the mother of Tom’s children, Nancy Wentz; grandchildren, Joshua, Jaiden, Blake, Skyler, Alyssa, Aimee, Danielle and Chad; great-grandchildren Jett, Olivia and a baby girl on the way; sisters, Carol (Chet) McCorrison and Mary (Marlin); sister-in-law, Sandy Wentz; and many nieces, nephews, extended relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; great-granddaughter Quinn; brother, Ron Wentz; special aunt, Marge Wentz; and nephew Jon Wentz.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Nelson Funeral Care. To sign an online registry, visit http://www.nelsonfuneralcare.com.