Bruce Edward Wentzel, longtime resident of Omro, Wisconsin, passed away on February 5, 2011. He was born to George and Blodwen (Davis) Wentzel in Wolf River Township on March 4, 1925 and moved with his family to Omro in 1931. Bruce graduated from Omro High School in 1942 and worked on the family farm until he joined the US Army Air Corps in 1946. He served through 1949 as a radar technician, returning to earn a degree from Oshkosh Teachers College. Bruce married Helen Williams of Omro on May 26, 1950. He taught English, Math, and Science at high schools in Wrightstown, Berlin, and New London. In 1958, he joined the faculty of Fox Valley Technical Institute, where he taught for 30 years. During his career, he earned a Masters Degree from UW-Madison and did additional graduate work at NY Polytechnic Institute, the University of New Mexico, and the University of Portland. Bruce is survived by Helen, his wife of 60 years, and their four children: Bruce M. (Mende) of Alexandria, VA, Kim A. (Rev. Joseph Corbin) of Reedsburg, WI, Brad (Jeannette) of Hartsel, CO, and Bron (Rebecca) of Watertown, WI. He had seven grandchildren – Joshua A. (Katie) Corbin, Andrea Corbin (John) Muente, Mende Jo and Hope Wentzel, and Anna, Mary, and Cara Wentzel - and 5 great grandchildren – Joshua W. and Madeline Corbin, and Trinity, Syenna, and Amiyha Muente. Other survivors include his brother, Roy (Gen) Wentzel of Kaukauna, WI and sister, Lois (Reg) Bidwell of Oshkosh, WI and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents, sisters, Marion Shuck, Ardyth Hoeft, and brother, Leslie. Bruce was a teacher, an avid reader, an artist and philosopher with a deep respect for learning; he enjoyed hunting and working outdoors, and loved spending time with his family.

Visitation Friday, February 11, at Kwiatkowski Funeral Home, Omro, from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM. Funeral service Saturday, February 12, at 11:00 AM, visitation for the hour preceding, at First Presbyterian Church, 955 North Webster Ave., Omro, followed by interment at Bethesda Cemetery, Ring. The family has established a memorial fund.