Florence M. Wentz, 86, formerly of Belfield, died Wednesday, May 7, 2014 at St. Joseph’s Hospital & Health Center, Dickinson. Florence’s Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:30 a.m., Tuesday, May 13, 2014 at St. Bernard’s Catholic Church, Belfield, with Fr. William Ruelle as the celebrant. Interment will take place at the Black Hills National Cemetery, Sturgis, S.D. Visitation will be on Monday from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m., at Ladbury Funeral Service, Dickinson, with a rosary & vigil at 7:30 p.m., with Fr. Shannon Lucht presiding. Visitation will continue at the church from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m., on Tuesday.
Florence was born on Valentine’s Day 1928 in Napoleon, the daughter of Martin and Margaret (Schwartzenberger) Mitzel. She graduated from Napoleon High School and went on to Valley City State Teachers College, where she earned a teacher’s certificate. On Flag Day 1950 she married Robert E. Wentz in Napoleon. After both graduating from VCSC, Bob and Florence lived and taught in the North Dakota communities of Lehr, Oakes, Watford City, Stanton, and Belfield. While living in Belfield, Florence pursued a bachelor’s degree and in 1974, graduated from Dickinson State College with a B.S.in Elementary Education. She was “Mrs. Wentz”, third-grade teacher, to many area students and also to a second generation when her students’ children began showing up in her classroom.
Florence stayed busy with teaching and raising six children, and that continued after retirement. She belonged to book club, bible study, pinochle club, and an almost-daily coffee club at Trapper’s Kettle. She was also a longtime member of the Belfield American Legion Auxiliary and Senior Citizens Club. She enjoyed playing bridge and traveling to tournaments, where she made new friendships and renewed old ones. Florence and her sister, Bernie, also traveled, visiting both coasts, other points of interest around the country, and Germany to visit their brother, Bob. The Mitzel girls and their “little” brother always had wonderful, fun times. Florence was also Director of Religious Education at St. Bernard’s Parish in Belfield and took an adoration hour for decades. She was a true and faithful servant of the Lord and her faith never wavered.
Florence is survived by her children, Jackie (Gene) Miller, Dickinson, Robbie (Mike) Obach, Belfield, Cheryl (Dale) Bruner, Haskell, Okla., Kevin (Vivian) Wentz, San Gabriel, Calif., and Betsy (Tim) Nameniuk, Dickinson. She will also be dearly missed by her grandchildren, Michael (Kelly) Obach, Randy (Casey) Glandt, Lindy Obach, Eric (Marie) Bruner, Jason Bruner, Kelsey Wentz, Kade Wentz, Trevor Nameniuk, Tucker Nameniuk, Melissa (Mark) Peterson, and Clint (Amy) Nameniuk; great-grandchildren, Jacob Bruner, Sam and Mya Glandt, to whom she was Grandma Flossie, Hannah, Collin and Hailey Nameniuk, and Marshall and Maisey Peterson. Florence also leaves her sister, Bernie Fettig, Bismarck; and her brother, Bob (Linda) Mitzel, Hampton, Va.; and extended family, including foreign exchange granddaughter, Esther Kaufmann, Switzerland, all of whom were special to her, as she was to them.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Bob; son, Tom; grandson, Shawn; and brothers-in-law, Bennie Fettig, Lee Wentz, and Doug Wentz.
Florence endeared people to her with her kindness and gentleness, unconditional acceptance, and her sense of humor. Her house and heart were always open to anyone who needed either.
