Mr. Wentz was born April 19, 1926, at Burlington. He was a veteran of WWII, serving in the Navy from 1943 to 1946. He married Betty Jean Dawson on November 27, 1946. He was a graduate of Kansas State University. Mr. Wentz worked as an Agricultural Engineer for the U.S. Soil Conservation Service from 1950 to 1984, retiring as Assistant State Conservationist. He also worked as Water Resource Manager for the Kansas Water Office in Topeka from 1984 to 1991.

He was a member of Sunrise Presbyterian Church, Elks Lodge #718, Noon Kiwanis, and the National Society of Professional Engineers. Joel was an active community volunteer and an avid gardener and fisherman.

He was preceded in death by a son, Steven D. Wentz, 1977.

Survivors include his wife, Betty of Salina; two daughters, Joelene Wentz of St. Louis, Jean Drees and her husband Robert of Salina; one sister, Jane Humphrey of Topeka; two grandchildren, Jeff and Bethany Drees, both of Salina.

The memorial service will be at 1:00 p.m. Friday at Sunrise Presbyterian Church, Salina. Inurnment will be at 1:30 p.m. Saturday in Key West Cemetery, near Lebo, Kansas.

Memorials may be made to Sunrise Presbyterian Church or Hospice of Salina.