Robert Lee Wentzel – age 89, of Pocahontas, passed away Thursday, September 8, 2022.

Bob was born December 22, 1932, in Crookston, Minnesota. He was the son of Wilbur and Josephine (Parenteau) Wentzel. On February 26, 1952, Bob married the love of his life, Edna at St. Ann's Catholic Church in Wadena, MN. In 1953, they moved to Denver, CO while Bob was stationed at Lowry Air Force Base. In 1956, Edna returned to Wadena while Bob was stationed in Korea with the U.S. Air Force. In April 1959, Bob and Edna moved to Pocahontas where they opened the Pocahontas Farm & Home Store. They were married for 62 wonderful years while they raised 9 children.

Bob was a member of the Resurrection of Our Lord Catholic Church. Faith and religion were the foundation of his life. He was very proud to have celebrated Mass with Pope John Paul II in 1979 at Living History Farms in Des Moines. Bob was very active in his community; he was a member of the Knights of Columbus and American Legion. He was Grand Marshall of Heritage Days, and he served on the City Council. In addition, Pocahontas Farm and Home was named business of the year in 2012 by the Chamber of Commerce. Bob was also quite the entrepreneur and owned many businesses over the years, including Pocahontas Farm and Home for 63 years. He also owned hardware stores in other communities, restaurants, a car dealership and nursing homes. Besides Bob's many businesses, he enjoyed traveling with family. He has been to many destinations including Europe, Ireland, Aruba, Mexico and the Caribbean. He also loved Arizona, Florida and wasn't opposed to a quick trip to Vegas occasionally. Bob enjoyed golf and was a member of the men's league at the Pocahontas Golf Club, where he was lucky enough to have a hole in one on par 3 hole #7. Bob was a life-long Minnesota Vikings fan, he rarely missed a game and attended many at the stadium. People close to Bob also knew him for his generosity, he was selfless and always willing to help others in need.

The most important thing to Bob was family. He was proud of all his children. Hours were spent around the kitchen island sharing stories, laughing, crying and solving the world's problems. Friends were always welcome in their home, hopefully many of you were lucky enough to share in that experience.

Bob is survived by his children: Mike (Jane) Wentzel of Emmetsburg; Pat (Amber) Wentzel of Pocahontas; Mary Jo (Brian) Schroeder of Pocahontas; Kelly (Tammy) Wentzel of Des Moines; Diane (Tim) Flaherty of Pocahontas; Nancy Wentzel of Des Moines; David (Melissa) Wentzel of Des Moines and Susie Wentzel of Pocahontas; 18 grandchildren, 26 great-grandchildren and 3 great great-grandchildren, his brothers Tom and Ted and many nieces and nephews.

Bob was preceded in death by his beautiful wife Edna, his parents, sons Robert and Daniel and his brother Jim.

This wonderful man was a husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, son, brother, brother-in-law, uncle and dear friend to many.

From us kids—

Dad lived a great life, and while we are broken-hearted and will miss him, we are comforted knowing he is reunited with Mom and many loved ones. We will go on remembering his quick wit, humor and deep compassion for others. Our loving memories and stories will live on. Job well done Dad!