Clifford Wentzel

Clifford Wentzel, 87, Spencer, passed away on Sunday, Feb. 6, 2022, at his home. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m., on Friday, Feb. 11, at Christ the King Catholic Church in Spencer. Rev. Barry Saylor will officiate. Committal services will take place in West Spencer Cemetery in the town of Sherman. Following the committal service, the Loyal American Legion Post 175 will conduct military honors for their fallen comrade. Family and friends are invited to gather on Friday at the church in Spencer from 9 a.m. until the time of service. The honor of pallbearer belongs to Jordan Wentzel, Randal Wentzel, Darien Hendrix and Grace Sobotka.

Clifford Wentzel was born on April 19, 1934, to Earl and Naomi (nee Kurtzwiel) Wentzel, in March Rapids. The family relocated to the Curtiss area where he attended school at Cloverdale, Atwood and Colby High. In 1953, Clifford met Patricia Stuttgen, whom he later married on Sept. 26, 1956, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Colby. They were happily married for 60 years, raising a family of seven children on dairy farms in Riplinger and Loyal before retiring in Spencer in 1994. Clifford proudly served in the U.S. Army in small weapons infantry and was stationed in Fort Hood, Texas, and Ferris Barracks in Erlanger, Germany. After serving in the military, Clifford fulfilled his dream of becoming a dairy farmer, which he continued to enjoy for the next 34 years. Clifford and his wife were avid travelers, visiting all 50 states and numerous countries. He was passionate about working with his farm animals and he enjoyed playing Chinese checkers, woodworking, Friday night fish fries, Westerns and fishing.

Clifford was a loving father, husband, grandfather and friend. He and Pat opened their home to more than 40 foster children throughout the years. He volunteered at the Marathon County Health Care Center and was a devoted member of Christ the King Catholic Church in Spencer.

Clifford is lovingly survived by his children: Charlotte Avila of Spencer, Gary (Colleen) Wentzel of Black River Falls, Ken (Norma) Wentzel of Loyal, Karen (Virgil) Tingley of Rib Lake, Kathleen (Troy) Hendrix of Hickman, Neb., Lisa (Thom) Odell of Glenwood, Iowa, and Linda (Darius) Torres of Eau Claire; 10 grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren; a brother, Robert (Linda) Wentzel of Madison; a sister, Marion Lang of Mission Viejo, Calif.; his faithful dog, Rusty; and many other relatives, friends and neighbors.

Clifford was preceded in death by his loving wife, Patricia; his parents, Earl and Naomi Wentzel; a son-in-law, Steven Avila; a sister/brother-in-law, Vivian (Harry) Mengel; a brother, Lavern Wentzel; and a brother-in-law, Kermit Lang.

The family would like to thank the nursing staff at St. Croix Hospice for their assistance through this difficult time.

Arrangements are under the care of Life Tributes Funeral Home in Spencer. Please visit www.lifetributesfuneralhome.com to share condolences.

PAID OBITUARY 116572