Jan Teah Wentz

Jan T. Wentz, 66, Wausau, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, July 12, 2017 in the arms of his wife and surrounded by family. He was born October 9, 1950 in Lock Haven, PA, the son of the late Edward Ellsworth Wentz and Jeanetta (Teah) Wentz. On August 12, 1972 he married Karen Wilt in Lock Haven, PA at St. John's Lutheran Church. Jan attended Gettysburg College in Gettysburg, PA where he earned his undergraduate Bachelor of Arts degree in Philosophy. He continued his studies at Northern Illinois University where he graduated with a Master of Arts degree in Philosophy. Jan was currently employed at Capella University where he enjoyed teaching and writing courses for Philosophy. For the majority of his career he worked as an Information Technology manager for both Wausau Insurance in Wausau and Dean Health Plan in Madison. He was a mentor to many, known for his patience, supportive style, and the way he brought people together. He was a man of character who was appreciated for his kindness, quick wit, and sense of humor. Jan had a strong work ethic. He cherished everything he was given and looked for every opportunity. Jan loved being outdoors. He was a passionate landscaper, gardener, and bird watcher. He was an avid reader and life-long learner. He enjoyed being part of a breakfast group of retirees and challenged them to think more deeply about how the daily events of politics or local controversy were more complicated than first thought. Most of all he loved spending time with his family. He was a very supportive father of his children's many activities and encouraged them to follow their dreams and be even better than the best they thought they could be. He was always there to offer guidance and make the impossible seem possible In the community he was involved in starting girls' soccer at the high school level. He supported the Wausau East Ski Team as a parent, and coached for the Wausau Area Youth Soccer Association. Jan is survived by his loving wife, Karen, Wausau; three children, Meridith (Kevin) Drazakowski, Menomonie, WI, Matthew (Leah Celler) Wentz, Denver, CO, and Christian (fiancAC.e Amanda Baker) Providence, RI; three brothers, Edward Jr. (Jill) Wentz, Holmdel, NJ, Theodore (Mary Lee) Wentz, Pennsylvania Furnace, PA and David (Noi) Wentz, North Hollywood, CA. The family would like to thank Jan's doctors and nurses in the Cardiac Intensive Care Unit at Aspirus Wausau Hospital for their excellent, compassionate, and loving care. A celebration of Jan's life will be held at the Universalist Unitarian Church, 504 Grant Street in Wausau, Saturday, July 22nd at 4:00 pm. with visitation from 2:00 to 4:00 PM. Friends are invited to gather at the Wentz residence, 1028 East Hill Place, Wausau, after the celebration. Jan passed away from complications from ALS. This is a disease that currently has no cure. In lieu of flowers the family kindly requests that donations be made in Jan's name to the ALS Therapy Development Institutea