Howard L. Wentz

Howard L. Wentz, a great American, ardent follower of his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, retired U. S. Army veteran, superb husband and proud father/ grandfather/ great-grandfather, departed for glory on Christmas Eve day at the age of 82. Howard, ""Howie,"" is survived by his wife of nearly 63 year, Juliette ""Julie"" R. (Conaway) Wentz and their 5 children, daughter, Connie (Wentz) Behn, and sons, Steve, Brian, Matt and Hal. He has 16 grandchildren and 23 great grandchildren . Howard graduated Hartford City High School in 1947 in Hartford City, Indiana and attended the University of Indianapolis in 1947/8, where he met and married his lifelong love and wife, Julie. He joined the US Army in 1948 and retired in 1968 as a Sergeant First Class (E-7) serving 20 years in the Medical Corps as a medic and optician. After his military career, he worked 15 more years Civil Service at Fitzsimons Army Hospital Optical Lab in Aurora, Colorado. Howard was an outstanding football player in high school, college and the army. He was a Colorado High School Athletic Association baseball and volleyball official for over 20 years and was inducted into the Colorado High School Umpire Hall of Fame in 1997. He was a deacon and elder for 6 decades at various Christian Churches around the world and helped further the growth of Gateway Christian Church, Aurora, Colorado from 1964 until his death. He and his wife, Julie, were avid travelers, both during his military career and afterwards, having visited over 20 countries in Europe and Asia and all but 6 American states. Howard was a devout Christian, great storyteller, humorist and kindest person we will ever know. He is now a saint worshiping at the Lord's throne. We Love You. A Visitation for Howard will be held from 4:00pm to 6:00pm on Wednesday, December 28, 2011 at Horan & McConaty Family Chapel, 11150 East Dartmouth Avenue, Aurora, Colorado. A Funeral Service will be held at 1:00pm on Thursday, December 29, 2011 at Gateway Christian Church, 14700 East Mississippi Avenue, Aurora, Colorado. An Interment service will occur at 10:00am on Friday, December 30, 2011 at Fort Logan National Cemetery, Denver, Colorado, Staging Area A. Please share memories and leave condolences for Howard's family by signing the guestbook.