Steve Edward Wentzlaff

Steven Edward Wentzlaff was born in St. Paul, MN on January 5, 1948 to Edward and Alice (Mork) Wentzlaff . His physical life came to an end after a farm accident on April 29, 2016 at Mayo Clinic Health System - Mankato. Steve married Carol Zender and together they built a life in rural Butterfield, MN over 48 years. They raised two daughters, Sarah and Joanna on their farm. Their grandchildren are Sheriya, Ashley, Dylan, Paige, Alex and great-grandchilren are Jovani and Carmen. He loved his wife, children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren as they were the light of his life. Steve passionately loved farming his entire life. Working with the land from the first planting to the harvest and beyond brought Steve great joy. He believed each of us "should enjoy a little out of each day." He greeted every morning with, "thank you Lord for another beautiful day!", no matter what the weather. He always felt blessed and grateful, and he thoroughly enjoyed the simple things in life. They enjoyed many family trips to Rocky Mountain National Park in Estes Park, CO. Steve made friends wherever he went and liked to tell a good story. His down to earth sense of humor was appreciated by friends and strangers alike. He had a personality that naturally attracted people. He was a man of his word and a genuine human being. As an organ donor, Steven was able to give the gift of life and and joy to others. He loved to help people out and was able to continue this giving spirit even in physical death through organ donation. Many have been blessed through his selfless action, and for that he and his family are eternally grateful. Steve is survived by his wife Carol (Zender) Wentzlaff, daughters Sarah (Wentzlaff) Bell and Joanna Wentzlaff. His grandchildren are Sheriya Wentzlaff, Ashley Peters, Dylan Peters, Paige Bell, Alex Bell and great grandchildren Jovani and Carmen Peters. His sisters are, Judy (William) Atkinson, Mary (John) Flock and brothers Peter (Kim) Wentzlaff and Paul Wentzlaff. Steven was preceeded in death by his parents Alice (Mork) Wentzlaff and Edward Louis Wentzlaff. Visitation 1 4:00 pm - 8:00 pm Thursday, May 5, 2016 Sturm Funeral Home, St. James Chapel 906 - 10th Ave. S. St. James, Minnesota, United States 56081 Christian Mothers Rosary 3:30pm Thursday at the funeral home. Visitation 2 9:30 am - 10:30 am Friday, May 6, 2016 St. James Catholic Church, St. James 623 4th Street S. Saint James, Minnesota, United States 56081 Service Information 10:30 am Friday, May 6, 2016 St. James Catholic Church, St. James 623 4th Street S. Saint James, Minnesota, United States 56081 Interment Information Calvary Cemetery- St. James East of town on CR 27 Saint James, Minnesota, United States 56081 Military Honors to be provided by the St. James Veterans Honor Guard. Fellowship Fellowship and lunch will be at Marian Hall following burial.