Barbara Wentz

Funeral services for Barbara Wentz were held on Saturday, October 15, 2022, at 10:30 a.m. at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Naper, NE, with Reverend Samuel Crass officiating. Music was provided by Lisa Reiman, organist. Sharon Neuharth was in charge of registraion. Casket bearers were Allen Bentz, Darrell Bentz, Todd Stoltenberg, Gary Stoltenberg, Keith Stoltenberg, and Brett Wentz. Honorary casket bearers were all of Barb’s grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Interment was in the St. Paul’s Lutheran Cemetery in Naper, NE. Clausen Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements. Barbara Ann (Stoltenberg) Wentz was born January 29, 1942, to Frank and Theresa (Derner) Stoltenberg at the family farm in Naper, NE. Barb gained her wings on October 12, 2022, at the Butte Healthcare Center in Butte, NE, at the age of 80 years.

Barb attended country school east of Naper, NE, close to her family's farm. She then graduated from Naper High School in 1960. It was there that she met Bob, and they were united in marriage on November 19, 1960, at the First Congregational Church in Naper, NE. To this union three daughters were born: Nancy, Brenda, and Tammy. Barb was an active member of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Naper, NE.

They made many friends along the way, starting their life together in Atkinson, NE. They also resided in Gregory, SD, and Springfield, SD, but came back to their roots in 1967, calling Naper their home.

Bob and Barb worked side by side for 62 years. She was Bob’s righthand man, whether it was time spent in the body shop sanding and putting in windshields or helping on the family farm, working cattle or fixing fence. Barb was always up for a trip to the sale barn with Bob to watch the cattle sell. They also enjoyed attending rodeos, coon hunting, stock-car races and especially morning coffee with their friends at the local Naper Cafe. Later in life, Barb was in need of extra care at home. It was then that she developed a special bond with Sharon Neuharth.

Barb is survived by her husband, Bob; children, Nancy (Ivan) Nelson, Brenda (Mark) Lamp, Tammy (Mike) Haney; seven grandchildren: Beth (Shane) Lechtenberg; Justin (Katlyn) Nelson; LaDana (Marshall) Spreckels; Lacey Lamp; Matthew (Lexi) Lamp; Mindy (Joe) Spencer; Katelyn Haney; 13 great-grandchildren; sister Betty Bentz; brother Ken (Shirley) Stoltenberg; brother-in-law Dennis Wentz; and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Frank and Theresa Stoltenberg; in-laws, Art and Elsie Wentz; two brothers, Al and Verlin Stoltenberg; two sisters-in-law, Delores Stoltenberg and Carol Wentz; brother- in-law, Donald Bentz; and nephew David Stoltenberg.