Edward J. Wentworth

All who knew Edward Wentworth, Sr. would agree that he was a positive influence in their lives. He was the eternal optimist who made it seem effortless to think of others ahead of himself. Ed was a devoted husband and loving father who was filled with unspeakable joy to become a grandfather and great-grandfather. Ed was accompanied by an unwavering faith, and through the life he lived he exemplified what it means to be the hands and feet of the Lord he served. Life will never be the same without him here, but his timeless legacy that was deeply rooted in God, family, and country will be carried on by those who follow him. The year 1929 is often remembered as the year that the historic crash of the stock market sent our nation and much of the world spiraling into the depths of the Great Depression, but it was a year to remember in the lives of a young couple from Isabella County, Michigan, as they announced the birth of their baby boy on August 8, 1929. Edward was the fifth of fifteen children born to his parents, Henry Hank Joseph and Josephine (Dora) Wentworth, and he was raised on a farm alongside his older siblings, Mabel, Howard, Earl, and Agnes, and his younger siblings, Robert, Dorothy, Frank, Leonard, Mary Josepha, Andrew, Tom, Gene, Fern, and Clair Butch. His father was a cattle buyer while his mother was a busy homemaker. Eds formative years were spent primarily in Clare. In many ways Eds childhood was a reflection of the times. With farm chores and a garden to tend to there was always more than enough work to go around. Ed attended local schools but left around the eighth grade to work on a farm. Along his entire journey Ed deeply loved his country. During WWII he proudly sold more war bonds than any other student in the West Sumpter School in Whittaker, Michigan. When he was a bit older Ed spent 13 years serving in the United States Army where he was awarded the Bronze Star and Purple Heart. From there he spent an additional 10 years serving in the United States Air Force, retiring in 1971 as a Technical Sergeant. Life was forever changed for Ed when he met the woman who would forever hold the key to his heart. Her name was Barbara Greene, and they met at a doctors office where she was working as the receptionist when Ed came in for a required physical for a potential employer. After a few days of stalking him, Barb secured a first date with him on June 24, 1970. A whirlwind romance ensued, and they were married just a few months later in that same year on September 24th in Omaha, Nebraska. That marriage was later blessed at Sacred Heart Church. Together the proud parents of six children, Jackie, Becky, Glenda, Robin, Melissa, and Edward Joseph Jr. Joe. Ed would have loved more children, but Barb promised him one son, which came to fruition with Joe. Ed worked throughout his entire life in one way or another. He worked in a variety of industries and was a business owner of several businesses through the years. From 1971 through 1972 he owned and operated a service station in Flint with his brother, Frank. From 1972 through 1981 Ed owned and operated Eds Marathon and Eds Radiator and Sunoco Service in Mt. Pleasant. From there he worked as a field mechanic for Lease Management beginning in 1982 and continuing until he medically retired in 1987. In recent years Ed dedicated his time and talents to remodeling projects, working as a crossing guard for Youth Services Department for the city of Mt. Pleasant for the last 20 years, and most of all, faithfully serving Sacred Heart Parish in many capacities, namely as an Acolyte and Sacristan. There was also a time when he had been working as a tow truck operator and was known to take large groups of stranded travelers into their home while they were waiting for their vehicles to be serviced. Ed lived to help others. The only thing that was more important to Ed than his family was his faith. It was a day to remember when he and Barb were attending a Catholic Charismatic Conference and Ed publicly dedicated the rest of his life to the Lord. He deeply immersed himself into serving within his parish in numerous ways. Ed particularly enjoyed serving as a Sacristan and his ministry as an Acolyte, of which he was installed by Bishop Robert Carlson. There were countless ways that Ed enriched his life through the years. Although they didnt travel much, he did visit Disney World and the Grand Canyon along with their daughter, Robin and her family. A few years ago Ed and his granddaughter, Jennifer, traveled to California to visit an ailing military chaplain friend who he served with in Vietnam. While there he and Jennifer visited Disneyland. Each year he also took his grandchildren to Canada so they could visit his daughter, Melissa. Ed enjoyed special gatherings with his extended family including family reunions, his parents 50th anniversary celebration, and his own 75th surprise birthday party. He was active during most of his life enjoying things like bowling, skiing, and playing the guitar during his younger years as well as woodworking. In addition, Ed was a fourth degree member of the Knights of Columbus Council 1297 and a devoted member of Sacred Heart Parish. Faithful, dependable, and dedicated are just a few of the words that describe the extraordinary man that Edward Wentworth, Sr. was. His smile was warm, his hugs were genuine, and he had the most rousing laughter. Ed believed in being properly dressed for every occasion and was a shining example to everyone he met. His family finds comfort in knowing that he has been welcomed into his eternal home. Though his absence will leave sorrow to so many whose lives he touched, we need only listen to one of Ed's favorite phrases, "This too shall pass". May "God bless" Ed. Edward Wentworth died on Friday, February 28, 2014. Eds family includes his wife, Barbara; six children, Jacqueline (Charles) Minnick of Middletown, MD, Becky (Russell) Orr of Suffolk, VA, Glenda Wentworth, Robin (Steve) Stressman of Mt. Pleasant, Melissa (Randy) Strong of Belle River, Ontario, and E. Joseph (Deb) Wentworth of Mt. Pleasant; grandchildren, Robert (Rebecca) Story, Crystal (Brian) Reichenbaugh, Derek (Dawn) Ortiz, Joseph, James and Michael Myrick, Jennifer (Jason) May, Auric, Ryan and Jessica Stressman, John and Troy Strong, and Ally, Edward Joseph III Trey and Zach Wentworth; great-grandchildren, Ashlynn, Jewel, Jordan, Jade, Perrin, Paula, Jamie and Nicholas Myrick, Ethan, Lily, Jasmine and Jacob Orr, Sarah Story, Nickalous and Ashley Trevino, Nate Reichenbaugh, Zachary and Jason Story, Shelby, Hunter and Skylar Horman, Daniel and Marissa Neal, Keagan Ortiz, and Isabelle, Lawrence and Claire May; one great-great-grandchild on the way; siblings, Mabel McDonald of Rosebush, Agnes Akers of Mesa, AZ, Dorothy Germain of Mt. Pleasant, Frank (Pat) Wentworth of Mesa, AZ, Leonard Wentworth of Farwell, Sister Mary Josepha of Mt. Pleasant, Tom Wentworth of Colorado, Gene Wentworth of Farwell, and Fern (Bill) White of Farwell; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Howard, Earl, Robert, Andrew, and Clair Butch and many brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law. A Funeral Mass will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday, March 4, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church with Father Thomas J. McNamara as celebrant and Deacon Larry Fussman assisting. The family will receive friends at Lux Family Life Story Funeral Home on Sunday from 7-9 p.m. Monday from 2-8 p.m. with the Vigil service beginning at 7 p.m. Visitation continues at the church on Tuesday one hour prior to Mass. Memorial contributions may be made to the wishes of the family. Envelopes are available at the funeral home. To learn more or to sign the online guest book please visit www.LuxFamilyFuneralHome.com.