Burton L. Wentz

Burt Wentz, 88, of Bucyrus, passed away Friday, November 29, 2024 at home with family at his side and while under the care of Avita Hospice. 

Burt was born January 22, 1936 in Mansfield to the late George Jr. and Martha Naomi (Dille) Wentz and was a 1954 graduate of Springfield Local High School. He enlisted to serve in the Air Force and spent most of his military time stationed at Lowery Air Force Base in Denver, Colorado. Burt specialized as a weapons mechanic, working on airplanes. Following his service time, he returned to the area and on April 20, 1974 married Patricia (Livingston). They shared 49 years of marriage until her passing on February 6, 2023 and Burt was never quite the same, since. 

Burt had worked at a couple of factories, and in the mid-1970s, founded B.L. Wentz Concrete Flooring. With his strong work ethic and meticulous care put into every job, Burt’s company quickly became the place to call for any concrete need. He provided superior work until retiring in early Fall of 2015, when he passed the trowel to his grandson Nick Wentz, who worked alongside grandpa and learned from one of the best, which has allowed their business to continue running strong. 

Burt was certainly not afraid of a hard day’s work, nor did he ever shy away from helping someone in need. Whether it be himself, his skills and talents or financially, Burt gave what he could and often went above and beyond. He supported local area folks, his church, worked a mission trip in Ukraine and was very supportive of both, God’s Bible School and Hobe Sound Bible College.

Burt was formerly an active member of the Kaler Ave. Church of Christ, where he served on council, sang in various groups and volunteered as needed. He had most recently attended the Bucyrus Nazarene Church. He was also a member of the NRA

Burt loved being outdoors and at one time had a large garden. He was very knowledgeable about trees and the differences of each species. His yard was filled with several blue bird houses, providing him much joy as he watched them fly about, and over the years, he did his fair share of hunting and fishing. Burt always looked forward to the annual hunting trip in Canada and took many salmon fishing trips to Manistee River in Michigan. He was a collector of older things and tore down old barns, which provided lumber to be resold or reused. In addition to his love of singing, he enjoyed strumming his guitar and playing the harmonica. 

Burt strongly believed that Sundays were a day of rest, and should he find time to unwind on a weeknight, he and Pat watched a little TV, while he snacked on a bowl of vanilla ice cream with chocolate syrup and a cold Pepsi.

Burt is survived by children, Burton (Diane) Wentz Jr., Brent (Jamie) Wentz, Bonita Dyer, Bridgette Cole, Babette (Mike) Green, Rebecca Freeman, Jon (Susan) Freeman, Amy Freeman and Jennifer (Brad) Kagel; 25 grandchildren; 42 great grandchildren and three great-great grandchildren; siblings, Merle Wentz and Sharon (Lannie) Cooper; brother-in-law, Walter Jones and a sister-in-law, Monique Wentz. 

He was preceded in death by three grandchildren; son-in-law, Chris “Duffy” Dyer; and siblings, Gretchen Payton, Charlene Jones, Ted Wentz and Sheryl Cooper.

Calling hours for Burt will be held from 2-4 and 6-8 pm Wednesday, December 4 at Wise Funeral Service. He will be privately laid to rest in Crawford County Memory Gardens with Pastor Bob Jividen officiating and military rites provided by the Bucyrus Veterans Military Funeral Detail. 

If desired, donations can be made payable to either God’s Bible School or to Humane Society Serving Crawford County. These gifts will be accepted through the funeral home and expressions of sympathy are encouraged to be shared on his guestbook at www.wisefuneral.com.