Mark William Wentzel

“And dear child

I hope you know how much I love you and I’m proud of you

And please believe

The thoughts I have for you will never change or fade away

And when you felt like giving up

I never did.”

(“Dear Child” – Cory Asbury)

Mark William Wentzel, age 69, entered into the presence of the Lord on Thursday, February 6th at his residence in Dexter, Michigan. He was born May 13, 1955 to the late Paul and Kate Wentzel

Mark grew up in Dexter, Michigan and was the youngest of six children.  He spent his high school years working at Jenkins Equipment during the week and on the weekends worked at the Dexter Bakery in downtown Dexter specializing in making pretzels and donuts. He took great pride in attending Dexter High School, where he played football and was a standout baseball pitcher for the Dreadnaughts.  He graduated high school in 1973 and enrolled at Eastern Michigan University on a baseball scholarship.  He received his Bachelor’s Degree in Industrial Education with a minor in computer science from EMU.  Later, he completed additional studies from Sienna Heights; majoring in computer science.

Shortly after graduating from high school, Mark began dating the love of his life Cindy Corey, daughter of Ruth Corey and the late Gordon Corey, in the summer of 1974.  They were joined in marriage on March 5th, 1977.  He was a devoted and loving father to Shelly (husband Jason Whitehead), Benjamin (wife Leah), Christopher (wife Alyssa) and Matthew (wife Lindsay) and a baby they never had the opportunity to hold on Earth, but rest assured he is holding now.  Later, he became a cherished grandfather to Kobe, Brooklyn, Kendra, Levi, Jordan, Elle, Landon, Grant, Brook, Elee, Caden, Joslynn, Kylee, Sophie, Joseph and Owen.

Mark spent his early married years working at Lenawee County Vocational Center, before teaching Math, Shop and Art at Berean Baptist Academy and eventually moved to Yazaki North America; where he started the corporate university where he trained new engineers. Later, Mark started working in full time ministry at Waterford Christian School where he served as principal.  From there, He became the campus pastor at The Point Church in Atlas, Michigan. In 2011, Mark and Cindy started Living Grace Community Church in downtown Davison, Michigan.  They spent several years immersed in the Davison community and made an impact on countless lives while serving the Lord faithfully.  Mark retired from the ministry in 2017.

Mark had countless hobbies that he enjoyed over the years.  He loved sports, and always followed the Michigan teams (Tigers, Lions, Wolverines) faithfully.  He also was an avid self-taught painter, and enjoyed painting nature pictures and pictures that captured the importance his faith had in his life.  He loved to go fishing and also enjoy spending time with his family.  He also enjoyed watching his children (and later his grandchildren) participate in sports and other passions that showcased their God-given talents.  

Mark had a love for Jesus, for his family, and for everyone he met that was undeniable. He was always quick to share his testimony and unwavering commitment to Christ with anyone he met.  He loved his wife Cindy completely and faithfully for almost 48 years and they leaned on each other until he took his last breath. Mark will be missed more than words can express.  As a family, we will remember the past with gratitude, live the present with enthusiasm, and look forward to the future that we will all be united with him in heaven.

A celebration of Mark’s life will take place at Huron River Methodist Church in Dexter, Michigan on Saturday, March 1st at 3pm.  The family will receive friends at 2 pm until the time of service.  Cremation has already taken place. In honor of Mark’s love for the local sports teams (and his hometown of Dexter,) we would like to welcome those attending the celebration of life to wear their favorite local sports t-shirt or jersey.  Friendly reminder that if you wear Ohio State apparel, you will be seated outside…and its cold in Michigan in March.

In Lieu of flowers, donations can be made to further support the Wentzel family and can be sent to:

Cindy Wentzel

2531 Jackson Avenue Suite 330 Ann Arbor, MI 48103