Roger Wentz

Rev. Roger Wentz, 93, passed away on April 28, 2024, in Black River Falls, WI.
He was born in Sheboygan, WI, on May 1, 1930, the second son of Dr. Ivan and Viola
Wentz.
A 1948 graduate of Central High School, he then went to the University of Wisconsin,
Madison for one semester. While in Madison he felt God’s call to the Christian ministry. He
stayed out of college for a semester, then transferred to Mission House College (now Lakeland).
He was graduated from Mission House College in 1953 and from Mission House Theological
Seminary in 1956.
On December 30, 1955, he was joined in marriage with Frances Thundercloud at the Ho-
Chunk Indian Mission near Black River Falls. After serving as Associate Pastor at Faith United
Church of Christ in Milwaukee, he and Frances then served United Church of Christ
congregations in Kaukauna and Sauk City in Wisconsin and in Canton, Illinois, which was his
last pastorate. Frances and Roger chose Portage Wisconsin as their retirement community and
later moved to the Ho-Chunk Indian Mission near Black River Falls, where they built a home
that they both enjoyed on the property where Frances had lived as a girl. They enjoyed 64 years
together.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Edward, his wife, their daughter
Renee, and a sister-in-law, Lillian Thundercloud.
He is survived by a sister-in-law, Hattie Walker of Black River Falls, a niece Leah Ann
Walker of Black River Falls, nephews Carey Walker of Fargo ND, Thomas (Wy) Walker of
Black River Falls, Dan (Yamei) Wentz of Mantorville MN, and Steve (Marie) Wentz of
Neillsville WI, and by other relatives and friends.
In keeping with his wishes, he will be buried next to his wife, Frances, at the Ho-Chunk
United Church of Christ Cemetery.
With gratitude for God’s goodness and love in this life, which came through many, many people,
he rejoices for the joy of entering the heavenly home prepared for all who trust in Jesus Christ as
Lord and Savior. May the rich and abundant joy of God in salvation also fill your hearts.
Visitation will take place at 12:00 noon on Saturday, July 6, 2024 at the Ho-Chunk United
Church of Christ, followed by a memorial service at 1:00 p.m. The service will be followed by a
meal.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Ho-Chunk United Church of Christ Building
Fund at P.O Box 9, Black River Falls, WI, 54615.
Buswell Funeral Home is honored to assist the family with the arrangements during this difficult
time.