William Thomas Wentzel

William Thomas (Bill) Wentzel, 88 years

March 9, 1938 to March 14, 2026

With loving family by his side, Bill left this earth to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on March 14, 2026. All that knew Bill appreciated his authentic nature and powerful work ethic. He owned and operated the R&R Live Bait and Sporting Goods store for more than 40 years and lived a life working where his life’s passions of hunting and fishing were the focus of each and everyday. In addition to the small stream angling skills he developed early in his life, he was an expert Lake Erie smallmouth bass fisherman willing to guide friends and family to his hotspots around the American and Canadian Lake Erie Islands. And when summer turned to fall, Bill happily donned his long johns as an accomplished big game hunter with successful outings throughout Ohio, Alaska, Canada, and the Rocky Mountains, to name a few. A lifetime National Rifle Association member, Bill was a passionate supporter of the American Constitution’s Second Amendment.

A proud Free Mason member of Westgate Lodge No. 623 since 1963, Bill was also a 32-degree member of the Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite the past 55 years.

He was preceded in death by his parents, William and Lelia Wentzel, his sister, Bonnie Huston and great grandson Ryder Seagraves.

Bill is survived by his loving wife of more than 67 years, Sally (Ruby) Wentzel, children William (Karen) of Placida FL, Brenda Wentzel (Kirk) of Edwardsburg MI, Bryan (Kim) of Pataskala OH and Bradley (Penny) of Grove City OH. In addition to his wife and children, he was blessed to be survived by 15 grandchildren, 26 great-grand children and 6 great-great-grandchildren…most of whom he has taught to fish.

All friends and family are invited to attend Bill’s Life Celebration at the Grove City United Methodist Church main sanctuary on Saturday, March 21, 2026 at 1:00 p.m., followed by a gathering of all that wish to attend in the church’s café. The church is located at 2684 Columbus St, Grove City, OH 43123. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Shriner’s Children's Hospital or the GC United Methodist Church (Purple Door Church).

donate.shrinerschildrens.org

purpledoorchurch.com