Obituary of Merle Kinsley Wentzell

Merle Kinsley Wentzell We are saddened to announce that our father, Merle Kinsley Wentzell, passed away on January 14, 2016 after three nights in the South Shore Regional Hospital, Bridgewater in his 91st year. Born on the Gully Road, Maplewood on April 27, 1924, the youngest son of Lyle and Laura (Wentzell) Wentzell. At the age of seven the family moved to a farm in Lower Branch. Merle started working for Hoffert’s Tree Company in 1943, when he decided to enlist for the Second World War. He spent his 20th birthday on a boat to England. He served in England, France, Holland and Germany with the 7th Medium Regiment of the Royal Canadian Army. Following the war, he remained stationed in Germany working with the regimental police until his discharge in April 1946. At his welcome home party he met his future wife, Lillian Mailman. On his return he took over his father’s meat run to residences in the Bridgewater area. From there he worked for Bridgewater Co-op store as meat cutter, buyer and seller from 1958-1964 where he then went on to sell farm machinery for Lohnes & Zwicker for the next 20 years. He proudly recorded 853 tractor sales in the last 19 years. After retirement you could find him in his Christmas tree lot for many years. He was the last original charter member of the MicMac Rod and Gun Club, Wentzell’s Lake and was a member of the Royal Canadian Legion branch #24, Bridgewater and proudly received his 50 year medal in November. He was a bowler and golfer and had lots of fun. He loved being around people and if he did not know you, he had a way of finding out your name and your life story. He is survived by daughter, Christine, Lower Branch; son, Kurt Robin (Shirley) Wentzell, Olds, Ab.; grandchildren, Stacey (Nathan) Wall and Scott Wentzell, all of Calgary, Ab.; two great grandchildren, Aiden and Connor, both of Calgary, whom he never had the honor to meet in person; also surviving are many cousins, sisters and brothers in law, nieces and nephews. Special mention to two very special sisters in law, Ethel Rose, Fredericton and Pearl Mailman, Lake Pleasant. Besides, his parents, he was predeceased by his wife the former, Lillian Elizabeth (Mailman); brothers, Roland and Lorraine; sisters and brothers in law, aunts, uncles and cousins. Visitation for family and friends will be from 6-8 p.m., Monday, January 18, in Sweeny’s Funeral Home, Bridgewater with a public legion tribute service beginning at 6 p.m. Funeral service will follow on Tuesday, January 19 at 2 p.m. also in Sweeny’s Funeral Home. Rev. Pearly Tidd and Lic. Wayne Dominey officiating. Interment will follow in Brookside Cemetery, Bridgewater. Family flowers only, donations may be made to New Canada Baptist Church or charity of choice. “A Soldier Died Today”. On-line condolences may be made by visiting www.sweenysfuneralhome.com.