Escanaba, MI
Major, US Army Retired, Richard Dale Wentworth, age 89, born December 9, 1924 in Escanaba, Michigan to Ambrose Leslie Wentworth and Betty Alice Wedell passed away September 23, 2014 at Northwoods Assisted Living in Escanaba, Michgan.
Richard is survived by his daughter Rita Diane Egbert (Wentworth), son Robin Dale Wentworth, granddaughter Melea Ann Egbert and grandson Tyler John Egbert, all of Salt Lake City, Utah. A brother, Edward Wentworth and sister-in-law Betty Wentworth, of Rapid River, Michigan. Step-daughter and husband Kathleen and Bob Hanus of Waukesha, Wisconsin and step-grandsons; Duncan, Ian and Griffin Bennett and their father Bob Bennett. Step-son and wife Kurt and Julie Nolte and their children; Connor, Lauren and Evan Nolte of Atlanta, Georgia. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews that have helped him throughout the years while living in Rapid River.
He was preceded in death by his first wife, Christa Charlotte Elise Alpheis Wentworth, his first child, a son, Richard Dean Wentworth, his second wife, Joan Meyers Wentworth and his sister, Betty Jean Stock.
Richard was considered by many, a member of the “Greatest Generation”, due to his service in World War II, the Korean War and in the Vietnam conflict. As many of you know he loved to tell of his extraordinary experiences.
As a young Army Sargent he was selected to complete the rigorous OCS, Officer Candidate School, training. Richard retired from the military where he had a distinguished career as a member of the Army Corp of Engineers as well as being a member of the Army marksmanship unit. There was a marksmanship unit in Fort Carson,Colorado where his expertise in handling guns turned his military career to a totally different direction. In 1958 he was selected to take part in an international Running Deer Competition in Russia. He traveled the world representing the Army and winning many team and individual championships.
Richard lived an incredible life, traveling the globe in the military as well as in civilian life as vice president of two corporations, one in Chicago and the other in Australia selling rifle ranges.
He enjoyed life to the fullest by enjoying his family and friends in life-long relationships.
The family will receive friends on Saturday, September 27 from 11:00 AM to 12:45 PM at the Skradski Funeral Home in Gladstone. Military Honors will be presented at 12:45 PM by the Gladstone American Legion August Mattson Post 71. Memorial Services will follow at 1:00 PM at the funeral home with President Charles Barnes officiating. Richard will be laid to rest in the Rapid River Cemetery.
Memorial contributions in Richard’s name may be directed to the Upper Peninsula Honor Flight or the Escanaba DAV (Disabled American Veterans)