Barry Wentzel

Barry Neil Wentzel, 80, of Muhlenberg Township, died March 12, 2017 in Reading Hospital and Medical Center, West Reading. He was the husband of Merle Camille (Reinhart) Wentzel, to whom he was

married July 9, 1960.

Born February 1, 1937 in Reading, he

was a son of the late Franklin Ray Jr. and Sara (Weidner) Wentzel. Barry was a 1954 graduate of Reading High School, where he was a lettered soccer player and received the MVP award for soccer.

He was employed as a fabricator with Brown Trailers for over 10 years; he was a welder with Reading Steel Products for seven years; he was a pipe fitter with Conrail for seven years and retired from Brush Wellman, where he was a machine operator for 15 years.

Barry served in the U.S. Navy during the Cuban Missle Crisis. He was stationed on the U.S Kaskaskia which aided in the recovery of the space capsule during the Mercury-Atlas 8 space mission on October 3, 1962.

An avid archery hunter, Barry was a founding member of Deering Dudes Hunting Camp in Potter County and was President for over 5 years.

Barry was a member of the Muhlenberg Swimming

Association for 60 years, where he was a tower diver, diving from the 1 meter and 3 meter towers. He was also instrumental in developing the process for fire diving during the water shows.

He was a member of Leesport Gun Club for over 20 years and a lifetime member of the NRA.

Barry was a volunteer with the American Red Cross, where he was a swimming instructor and lifeguard.

An avid reader, he also enjoyed canoeing, ice skating

and speed roller skating. He was also an avid golfer and was involved with the Senior League at Willow Hollow Golf Course. Additionally, he was a baseball coach with MTAA for over 10 years.

Surviving, in addition to his wife, are his three sons: Dale A. Wentzel of Maidencreek Township; Kerry K. Wentzel of Dauberville; and Neal R., husband of Beth A. (Hettrick) Wentzel, of Bern Township.

Other survivors include his two brothers: William R. Wentzel of Summerville, S.C., and Michael S. Wentzel of Muhlenberg Township.

There are also six grandchildren: Andrea, wife of Jason; Joshua, husband of Janelle; Christine; Julie; Greggory,

husband of Amanda; and Laura; and five great-grandchildren: Donovan, Bryce, Brianna, Marley and Levi.

A Memorial Service will be held Friday at 11 a.m. in Stitzel Family Funeral Homes and Crematory, Inc., 3300 Kutztown Road, Laureldale. A visitation will be held one hour prior to the service. Burial will be in Laureldale

Cemetery, Muhlenberg Township.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to: Parkinson's Foundation, 1501 N.W. 9th Avenue, Miami, FL 33136.

For online condolences, visit www.StitzelFamilyFuneralHomes.com.