Dan Wenz passed away into the arms of the Lord on December 23, 2012 surrounded by his family, after a hard fought battle with brain cancer. A memorial service will be held on Thursday, December 27th at 1:30 pm at Helena First Assembly of God Church located at 2210 Dodge Ave in Helena, MT, Interment will follow the service at the Montana State Veterans Cemetery, Fort Harrison with full military honors.
Daniel was born in Miles City, MT in 1953 to Fred and Bertha Wenz of Glendive MT. He was child number three of four. After joining the Army in 1971 he returned home and settled in Glendive where he met and married the love of his life Kathi. Dan was always so proud of his son Brad, who was his only child.
Dan lived life with gusto. Anyone that knew Dan expected he would provide them with a grin to match his ever present smile. His giving heart, rapid whit and kindness went unmatched. He was preceded in death by his parents. Surviving relatives are his wife, Kathi (Magee) Wenz, Helena; son, Bradly and Charlie (Cheryl) Wenz, Dover, DE; sisters and brothers in laws – Sheila and Gary Kunick, Marsha and Gerald Mickelson, Patty and Dave Winchell, all of Glendive. He is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and great friends. To offer a condolence to the family or to share a memory of Dan, please visit below.
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Thursday December 27, 2012
First Assembly of God Church
2210 Dodge Ave.
Helena, Montana 59601
Burial with Military Honors
2:45 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Thursday December 27, 2012
Montana State Veterans Cemetery, Ft. Harrison
Hero's Road
Helena, Montana 59636
Reception
3:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Thursday December 27, 2012
First Assembly of God Church Fellowship Hall
2210 Dodge Ave.
Helena, Montana 59601
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Thursday December 27, 2012
First Assembly of God Church
2210 Dodge Ave.
Helena, Montana 59601
Burial with Military Honors
2:45 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Thursday December 27, 2012
Montana State Veterans Cemetery, Ft. Harrison
Hero's Road
Helena, Montana 59636
Reception
3:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Thursday December 27, 2012
First Assembly of God Church Fellowship Hall
2210 Dodge Ave.
Helena, Montana 59601
Bob Owens says
To Dan’s family
I’m so sorry for your loss. I didn’t know Dan for a long period of time, but I have to tell you he was one of the funniest people I’ve ever met. It was a pleasure to know and work with him this past year. May you find comfort in knowing that he touched many lives with his humor. My thoughts and prayers are with you. He will truly be missed.
Brad and Shari Wenz says
Kathi and family,
Our love and support go out to you in the loss of Dan. We are so grateful we were able to visit with you both on Friday. May all your memories comfort you in the days ahead. We will be in touch. Love, Brad and Shari
Glenn W Bliss "GW" says
An amazing person with an incredible sense of humor and love of life. I had the privilege of working with Dan for over ten years at General Distributing Company. I will always remember Dan for the way he was able to light up a room whenever he walked in. He immediately had people in tears from laughter. What a wonderful way to live life. May God hold him close to his loving arms and welcome him home. I am a better person for having known Dan. Love, GW and the team from General Distributing Company
Stew & Deb Corneliusen says
Kathi & Family
Our prayers are with you. Dan was a very special person. He touch many peoples lives in so
many ways with his witte personality. I’m so thankful for the time we got to spent together up in Cut Bank & Shelby MT when we were both on the road. Brought back many memories
when we worked on the rigs. He will be truly missed. May the Lord keep You in his loving arms in this time & always. Love Stew & Deb
Jo Copeland says
Kathi,
We are so sorry…
I am thankful for the time, though much to short, that I was blessed to know Dan. My first impression when I visited with both of you, at your home, was that there was a true sense of joy and cheerfulness brought through the light heartedness of laughter, and love. I remember thinking on my drive home, “These are people that I want to know. These are good, caring, gentle people…” and I prayed… My heart is greatly saddened, and even so, I am reminded of the scripture in Revelation 21:4 that says, “And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away.” Dan is well. He is well, and you will see him again. I love you Kathi and I’m trusting God to comfort you through the days and nights ahead. I am here for you. We are here for you – always. Lovingly, Jo and Mike.
Sherri Anderson-Staats says
Kathi,
My heart was filled with great sadness when I read of Dan’s passing. I have wonderful memories of working with him (and you) at Wal-Mart. Dan helped me out so much when I was alone and scared when I first moved to Helena and needed help. He had a wonderful sense of humor and could always make me laugh when I was having a bad day. Heaven is a better place Dan there. I know you will have many memories of him that will keep you going. May God and our Blessed Mother Mary give you comfort and peace during the days to come.
Linda Wenz Holden says
Dan was such an inspirational person and had such a zest for living. He was a very special cousin and there is an empty spot in our family now. I am comforted that he is with Jesus, his Lord. Our love and arms reach out now to Kathi and his son Brad and family.
Bruce Ewals says
Dan was one of a few people that could always make you laugh & aways had something good to say . That Smile will be missed.
Doug and Randi Wenz says
Kathi and family, We are sorry for your loss, Dan will be missed by everyone who knew him. we will always remember his great sense of humor and his laugh! May God hold you in his arms and ease your pain. Our prayers are with you, Doug and Randi
Pat Howell says
Kathi: I am so sorry to hear that Dan has lost his big battle. God Bless you and your family and take comfort knowing he is with the Lord and Angels and one day you will join him.
Denise Howard says
Kathi & Brad
I am so sorry about your loss of Dan. He was such a happy, fun-loving person who brought a smile to everyone he came into contact with. I will always remember you talking about your ‘Mister” and thinking he sounded like alot of fun. Then I met him and understood what you were saying. He loved you both dearly. My thoughts and prayers are with you both.
Steve Marks says
Dan Weinz family and friends,
A great loss to all who new Dan, so sad.. I got to know Dan through my business needs, welding supplies and knowledge. Dan was a walking encyclopedia about products and the best way for us self taught welders and fabricators. If I had question on why something was not working correctly, a call to Dan would usually fix it. I remember one time in particular, Dan was at a Lincoln manufacturing school back east, it was late in the evening and I had problem with my tig welder. I made a call to Dan and as usual, Dan was able to talk me through the difficulties I was having. I asked Dan what he was up too and he told me about the Lincoln welding school he was attending and all the new neat products, but on this late night call Dan was at a baseball game with some of the other guy’s attending the class. Dan saw it was me and knew I probably needed some of his valued advise. I share this short story because this is the Dan Weinz I knew, ALWAYS there to help, no mater the time of week. Dan always had a great joke or two and knew who to make people laugh.
Good bye Dan, I will miss your advise, friendship and good laughs.
My thoughts and prayers to you; Dan, Kathi, family and friends.
Steve Marks
Warren & Sue Wenz says
Kathi and family,
We are deeply sorrowed by Dan’s passing. What an amazing man. His wonderful sense of humor was always present even when challenged by a dreadful disease. You are blessed to have had the opportunity to be with him. Hopefully, weather permitting, we’ll see you tomorrow.
Warren and Sue Wenz
Vonnie Jenkins says
Kathi & Family,
I am sorry for your loss. I had the privelage of riding my motorcycle with you and Dan. He was the most funny & caring person to be around. I’m going to miss him. Please know you are in my thoughts and prayers!
Vonnie
Ric adn Jan Winhofer says
I will never forget all the good times Dan and I shared growing up in Glendive. He always brought a laugh along. He was a good friend and will be missed by all of us. Your family is in our thoughts and prayers. I will always remember our times growing up together.
Becky Dawsey & Josh Smith says
Kathi, Brad, & Family.
I was shocked and sad when I read that Dan had past away. I think of you, Dan, & Brad when we lived on Elizabeth St. Those were the good old days. Kathi if you
need anything get in touch with me. My thoughts and prayers are with you, Brad and the family. Sincerely yours,
Becky Dawsey
Ruth & Joe Baxter says
Dear Kathi, Brad & family, Ruth is a cousin of Dan, whom she has never met only spoke to him on the phone recently when we learned of Dan’s illness. My Mother, Louise Wenz, spoke often of Dan’s Christian testimony. We had always wanted to meet him personally, but now we will meet him in Heaven where we will never part again. May Jesus be your strength and comfort and Hope for the days ahead Kathi, Brad & family. We have a song entitled “THE NEW 23rd”we would like to share with you. Because the Lord is my Shepherd, I have everything that I need, He lets me rest in meados green and leads me beside the quiet stream. He keeps on giving life to me and helps me to do what honors Him the most. Even when walking thru the dark valley of death, valley of death, I will never be afraid, For He is close beside me, Guarding, guiding all the way; He spreads a feast before me In the presence of my enemies. He welcomes me as His special guest. With blessing overflowing, then His goodness and unfailing kindness shall be with me all of my life, And afterwoard I will live with Him forever, forever in His home, forever in His home, FOREVER IN HIS HOME. Be assured of our Love and Prayers, Ruth (Huber) Baxter and Joseph Baxter, 654 Weller Ave., Mansfield, Ohio 44904
Brenda and Dave Koch says
Kathi, Brad and family. As I read the notes about Dan you get a real good sense of what a Great Guy he was…He made everyone smile, kept us laughing and touched many many hearts. Kathi I’ve always said that I’ve never met two people who were a better match…You were meant for each other. I am so sorry for your loss…Gone too Soon….Gone too Soon.
Dave & Elaine Palen says
Kathi & Family, We are so sorry for your loss. Dan will be in our memory as a great guy with such a wonderful laugh. We enjoyed meeting both of you in DC a few years ago, Both Dan & you made the week so much better. We had just a short time with both of you on our visit. But Dan made such an impression that we will never forget him. OUr thoughts and prayers are with you at this sad time. I wish we could be there to support you at this sad time.
Cheryl & Randy Vukasin says
Kathi,
You & Dan are such an inspiration to us. The love you both shared and the commitment to each other was amazing. I’ve never met a couple that were more of a perfect match!
Our hearts are filled with sadness and will greatly miss Dan. Our prayers and thoughts are with you Kathi! We Love you Randy & Cheryl Vukasin
Judith Wilson says
Kathi
So sorry for your loss of your loved one, will keep you in my prayers
Adam Kopczuk and Family says
Kathi and Family, please know our love and prayers are with you. Adam, Heather, and kids.
Dan & Flo Jenkins says
Dear Kathi,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this most difficult time. We will always remember our rides with you and Dan. Especially the last ride we had with you and Dan which was the memorial ride for Trooper David DeLaittre from Belgrade to Three Forks. It was a very memorable day because of Dan’s humor and laughter by all. Dan will be greatly missed.
Sincerely, Dan & Flo
Will Hofer says
Dear Kathi, Brad and Cheryl.
We are very sorry for the loss of Dan, he was a wonderful man, we feel very fortunate that we had the pleasure of knowing him, his ever warming smile and wonderful personality will never be forgotten, when Dan became ill and couldn’t stop by anymore,my little girls always asked me, “why doesn’t Dan come anymore, we loved it when he came to our house to have coffee and he’d always bounce us in his lap”, I assured them with tears in my eyes,that he would love to, if he only could. He will be greatly missed by all of us.
Dan had a wealth of knowledge, I will always be thankful for the help he provided me with in the welding shop, I have never met a more honest salesman in all my life, he stood behind every product he sold and fully understood how they worked, he spent hours of his own time teaching me various welding techniques and never asked to get paid for it.
It didn’t matter if Dan was at home, at work, at a welding seminar somewhere or on vacation on a bike tour, he always answered when I called, because he knew I probably had a technical question regarding a welding machine or maybe what welding rod to use on certain metals, ect. He was the greatest welding tech ever. Dan is irreplaceable…Thanks for all the help buddy, I miss you already. Rest in Peace.
Dear Kathi and family, you are in our thoughts and prayers, may God strengthen you and help you through these difficult times.
Love, Will & Helen Hofer and family.
Diane Mae Wenz Rittgers says
So glad I got to see Dan at my mom’s memorial in Valier, MT. I felt his very special love and goodness at that much to brief moment. God’s love and power surrounded him then and now. He has and came from a loving good family. That love is eternal and can never be broken. I share your grief and wish we had more time together.
Our Love, Diane and Tony Rittgers
Erich Fouse says
Kathi…so sorry to hear about Dan. Your old team at Centurylink has you and your family in our thoughts and prayers. God Bless.
Justin Mourning says
Kathi,
I wasn’t lucky enough to know your Husband, but from everything you have told me he is a great man. I am sorry for your loss and may peace and love surround you.
Caitlin Kunick says
Kathi
I loved Dan, as everybody else did. He brought smiles and giggles to everyone near him. Even though I never got to see him as much as I hoped, but from the memories I have had with him, he was and always will be one of the greatest people I know. I love you Daniel Fred Wenz. And I love you Kathi and Family! 🙂
IN MEMORY OF DANIEL F. WENZ <3 :*
Marsha Mickelson says
I can’t say good bye my dear sweet brother. I will miss, for now, you & you sense of humor & genuine love. I pray God will bring us all together someday and we will laugh & love together again . Till then watch over us left behind and be our guardian angel. Gone to soon my brother. ……….