Wayne O. Wentzel, 83, of Brook, passed away July 2, 2023, at Franciscan Health in Lafayette after a short illness.

Wayne was born January 15, 1940, in Logansport, IN to the late Arthur and Iva (White) Wentzel.  He was the youngest of six children. A 1958 graduate of Delphi High School where he participated and excelled in many sports including basketball and football. After school he attended the ACME Tech Design School and followed that with a Tool and Die Apprenticeship at Fairfield in Lafayette.  He served as a corporal in the Army National Guard for three years and was a member of the Masonic Lodge and the American Legion.

Wayne had a lifetime career in Tool and Die working for companies such as Metal Masters in Lafayette and CTS in Monon.  After retiring at the age of 62 he joined his son Mike at P.T. Tool and Machine.  Wayne greatly enjoyed this innovative and interesting industry and worked until his death at the age of 83.

He loved reading, watching Purdue sports and spending time on the water during weekend trips to Lake Wawasee in Syracuse.

His wife of 42 years, Judith Wentzel, preceded him in death in November 2020.  He is survived by his first wife, Becky (Lamb) Schrader, son, Mike (Shelly Hall) Wentzel, daughter, Amy (Karl) Trimble, step-daughter, Laurie (Don) Exner and stepson, Scott (Gaby) Neal.  He was the grandfather to Justin (Shannon) Wentzel, Abigail Exner, Mackenzie Neal, and Cameron Neal.

In addition, the family would like to offer a special thanks to all the nurses, doctors, and staff at Franciscan Health for providing excellent care and comfort to our father during his stay at the hospital.

Visitation will be from 11am (CST) until the funeral hour at 1pm, July 15, 2023 at the funeral home. Procession will follow to Bruce Lake Cemetery, Kewanna, IN.  In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the Bruce Lake Cemetery.  http://www.brucelakecemetery.com/memorials.html.

Arrangements entrusted to Gerts, Windler & Keller Funeral Homes ~ Brook Chapel, 129 E. Main St., Brook, IN  47922.  (219) 275-6161.  www.kellerfh.com