William Walter Wentzel's Obituary
William Walter Wentzel, (Bill), passed away in his home in Lewes, Delaware on Monday, April 8, 2024, after enduring a long battle with MS. He was 73 years old. Bill grew up in West Reading, PA, in a neighborhood where he played in the alley, ice skated on the mine hole and attended school from kindergarten through high school within the same block. Bill graduated from West Reading High School, class of 1968, as a two-sport athlete, excelling in baseball and basketball. After graduating, he had an itch to travel and headed to Puerto Rico followed by Florida for several years. Bill returned to PA to study at Millersville State College, where he met his future wife, Nancy. He earned a bachelor’s degree in industrial arts, graduating summa cum laude and was a member of the honors fraternity, Phi Kappa Sigma. He furthered his education at Temple University with a master’s in education followed by the doctoral program for School Psychology.
Throughout Bill’s college years, he had a variety of interesting jobs, which included training dolphins in Key Largo, peddling ice cream in downtown Lancaster, and tree trimming with his brother in Berks County. But Bill’s true passion was teaching. The majority of Bill’s professional life was distinguished by a 32-year tenure at The School at Church Farm in Exton, PA. He taught woodworking and photography, served as Dean of Students, and lastly as Assistant Head of School for 18 years, loving the challenges of working with 180 boys from all walks of life and guiding faculty.
Bill was known for his quick wit and as a man of many talents and interests. He was a life-long fan of all Philly sports, but in particular, he loved the Philadelphia Phillies. He loved sailing, fishing, woodworking, traveling, photography, and vegetable gardening. While living in Delaware, Bill was a respected member of the Coastal Camera Club of Lewes, DE. Although MS impacted his ability to capture an image, Bill found purpose working with the CCC as co-leader of the Apprentice Judge program and was an active member of the Competition Committee.
Family was the cornerstone of Bill’s life. He was a devoted husband, father, pop-pop, brother, and friend. He is survived by his loving wife of 43 years, Nancy Elizabeth, and their sons: Andrew Mott Wentzel, his wife, Rebecca, and their two children Maggie Elizabeth and Alexander Mott of Lewes, DE; Daniel William Wentzel, his wife Dr. Kimberly Nguyen, and their daughter Maya An, of Bonney Lake, WA. He is also survived by his brother, Tom, his wife Anne of Lititz, PA; his sister, Cindi Bjorke, her husband Paul, of Ocean View, DE; and numerous nieces and nephews. Bill was pre-deceased by his parents, Leroy Andrew Wentzel and Lillian Mary (DeHart) Wentzel.
Through it all, Bill’s presence was a source of warmth, wisdom and compassion and he will be forever missed by those who knew him. As we remember Bill, we celebrate a life well lived, a journey well-traveled and a man well loved. A private celebration for family and close friends will be held on May 4, 2024.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Bill’s honor may be made to The School at Church Farm, Angel Fund/Student Emergency Relief Fund at gocfs.net/giving, select make a gift, and under designation select Angel Fund. Please visit gocfs.net/giving and select ‘make a gift’. Under designation select Angel Fund.
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