James B Wentz, March 23, 1943 – Dec. 9, 2024, was born in Benson County. He was the seventh of fifteen children of Nick and Catherine (Scherr) Wentz. He grew up on a farm near Minnewaukan, ND.
He moved to Washington state and found employment working on the Boundary Dam. From there he moved to Colorado then to Utah. In the early 1970’s he moved back to North Dakota to be closer to family and friends. In 1972 he married Bernadette Kuntz at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Devils Lake, ND. Together they had two children Jeremy and Tamara.
He worked carpentry at Heit Construction for 27 years. Jim was a man who was always busy. His hobbies were restoring his Model A car and collecting antiques. He always enjoyed taking time to visit with family and friends.
Jim is survived by Bernadette Wentz from Devils Lake, ND, his children Jeremy (Jennifer) Wentz from West Fargo, ND and Tamara (Shawn) Kvelstad from Devils Lake, ND. Grandchildren Kiera and Teagan Wentz from West Fargo, ND, Alyssa Daly from OR. Brothers Gerald of Minot, ND, Dennis (Ruth), Larry, Ralph (Jane), Peter (Barb), Leroy (Desi) all from Devils Lake, ND. Sisters Leona Borg from WA, Joan Korb from Devils Lake, ND and MaryAnn (Nick) Hettwer from Calio, ND and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents Nick and Catherine Wentz, brothers Wendelin, Edward, Albert, Paul, and Howard
Visitation will be at the Gilbertson Funeral Home, Devils Lake on Sunday, Dec. 15 from 3 – 5 p.m. with a Rosary and Scripture Service at 5:00 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial for James Wentz will be Dec. 16, 2024, at 10 a.m. at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church Devils Lake, ND. Burial will be at St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery with lunch to follow at the Parish Center.
