Arden Wentzel

Arden (Ardie) Wentzel, 93, of Milton, WI entered eternal life on April 4, 2026 as his Savior bid him “Come good home!”

Arden was born in South Branch, MN to William and Melinda (Becker) Wentzel and grew up on the family farm. He graduated from Dr. Martin Luther College in 1954 and devoted over 60 years to the Lord’s ministry in the WELS as a school principal, teacher and church staff minister. Arden served various congregations throughout Wisconsin and Minnesota, most recently, St. Matthew’s in Janesville, from which he retired in 2018 at the age of 85.

On July 29, 1956, Arden married Carolyn Krueger of Albuquerque, NM and together they raised four children, Linda, Jane, Peter and James.

Arden was a loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and friend whose wisdom, faith, guidance and humor greatly impacted all who knew him. Arden was deeply committed to his Lord, the church, his family and friends. He was an avid fan of the Packers, Badgers and Brewers and a gifted baritone vocalist who joined choirs and barbershop quartets. Arden was also a legendary storyteller who entertained many with his tales.

Arden Wentzel was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Carolyn, his parents, his brothers and sisters-in-law, Arnold (Dorothea) Wentzel, Arvid (Joyce) Wentzel, sister, Arlynne Wolf and brother-in-law Thorild Nelson. He is survived by his sister, Ardith Nelson, his brother-in-law Dan Wolf, his children, Linda (Dennis) Frankowski, Jane (Thomas) Neuman, Peter (Laurie) Wentzel, James (Terry) Wentzel. He is further survived by grandchildren Andrew (Whitney) Neuman, Marcus Neuman, Joel (Cheyenne) Neuman, William (Ellen) Wentzel, Brittni (Pat) Carran, Caitlin (Zach) Trimble, Brian (Hayleigh) Wentzel, Amelia Wentzel, Lydia Wentzel and step-grandson, Jay (Erica) Horton as well as 10 great-grandchildren and three step great-grandchildren. A special thank you to his devoted companions, Dale Beutin, Theresa Biele and Amy Scott, as well as the compassionate and caring staff of Milton Senior Living and Agrace Hospice.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, May 9, 2026 at 11 a.m. at ST. MATTHEW’S LUTHERAN CHURCH, 709 Milton Avenue, Janesville, WI. Reverend James Janke will officiate. Visitation will be at the CHURCH from 9:30 a.m. until the time of the services on May 9th. HENKE-CLARSON FUNERAL HOME is assisting Arden Wentzel’s family. Online condolences may be shared at www.henkeclarson.com

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Arden’s name to St. Matthew’s Lutheran Church, Janesville, WI and Lakeside Lutheran High School, Lake Mills, WI.

We take comfort in knowing that Arden is now in the presence of our Lord and Savior, where there is no more pain or sorrow, only peace and eternal joy.

“I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.” John 14:5 (Arden’s Confirmation passage)