Heaven welcomed home Darlene Ann Wentz, 93, of Napoleon, ND, on Saturday, January 25, 2025 the Wentz Living Center. Funeral services will be held Wednesday, January 29, 2025 at 3:00 PM at the Wentz Living Center Chapel. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service. Burial will take place in the spring at the Napoleon City Cemetery.

Darlene entered the world in Hettinger, ND, on March 4, 1931, the oldest of two children born to Al and Mary Kay (Taylor) Doerr. As the first girl in the Doerr line, she remembered being spoiled by 6 Doerr uncles who adored her. A Depression Era baby, her early years were spent bouncing between Ashley, Milnor, Ryder, and Bismarck. Her family eventually settled in Napoleon, where Darlene attended Napoleon School District for all 12 years, graduating as valedictorian in 1949. She studied pharmacy at NDSU for 2 years, before marrying the love of her life Marvin Wentz in Napoleon on June 25, 1951. A kind woman with a heart for community, Darlene briefly worked as a secretary at the school and church, Logan County Social Services, and as a city assessor during her children's early years. She is most well-known, however, for being the smiling face behind the counter at Stock Growers Bank where she worked for 30 years, retiring in 1993.

After playing piano for the high school choir, Darlene continued her keyboard skills as pianist and organist for the Methodist Church. She remained very active with the church, serving as a Sunday school and Bible school teacher, as church treasurer, and on various committees. In her spare time, she kept busy as a member of Ladies Aid, Thursday Study Club, Homemakers, and Eastern Star. Darlene also served as treasurer of the Napoleon Centennial and the Alumni Association.

Above all, Darlene relished spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren – often travelling long distances for recitals, games, and competitions – and wintering in Arizona to be closer to her desert-dwelling grandbabies. Her hugs made everyone, not just her grandchildren, feel better – leading them to forget why they were sad in the first place. Beyond Arizona, Darlene and Marvin travelled extensively across the United States and Europe, enjoying cruises to Alaska, the Caribbean, and the Rhone River. In Napoleon, Darlene was an active member of the bowling league for many years. She spent her evenings reading, doing needlework, knitting, and playing cards.

Darlene welcomed newcomers to the Napoleon community with her gracious hospitality. Her bright smile and open arms made everyone feel loved and accepted. She was known for waiting up until 2 am to greet travelling company with good smells and a warmth that encompassed. She was a wonderful cook, and her fudge was legendary!

Darlene and Marvin made their lifetime of togetherness look as easy as a walk in a park. Our sweet, darling Darlene was the family's rock: a role model who led by example.

Darlene is survived by her husband of 73 years Marvin; two children Steven Wentz and Kathy Wentz (Steven Hulme); four grandchildren Meghan (Michael) Winters, Adam Wentz, Rebeca Hulme, and Katrina Hulme; two great-grandchildren Joan and Erin Winters, brother David (Nancy) Doerr; brother-in-law Dr. Myron (Prudence) Wentz.

Darlene was preceded in death by her parents, daughter-in-law Geri Wentz, and brother-in-law Charles Wentz.