Lewis D. Wentzel

Lewis D. Wentzel, 78, of Washington, died Saturday, August 6, 2011, in Washington Hospital. He was born July 24, 1933 in Madison, PA, to Phillip and Ethel Leasure Wentzel. After a career in the Air Force (including a stint in New Paltz, NY, where he met his bride of 52 years and five years in Anchorage, Alaska), he taught middle and high school social studies in the Trinity Area School District. In addition to the “Days until the end of the year” countdown on his blackboard, he also wrote a curmudgeon quote of the day. He embraced technology and always kept an open mind to new experiences. Retirement allowed him to obtain a master gardener certification, to volunteer with Avery United Methodist Church, Asbury Heights, Friendship Village of South Hills and to document the activities of Gilbert and Sullivan. Mr. Wentzel was also an adult Sunday school teacher. His family (local and far-flung, related and not) meant the most to him. He was a loving and caring husband and father. Surviving are his wife, Jean; children, Larry of Ann Arbor, MI and Nancy Reed (Fred) of Pittsburgh; one grandchild, Zeke; and a niece, Marion Spino. Deceased is a brother, Phillip Wentzel. Friends will be received from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, in the William G. Neal Funeral Home, 925 Allison Avenue. Services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Thursday, August 11, 2011, in Avery United Methodist Church, 1100 Gabby Avenue, Washington, with Rev. Ruth Simmons officiating.