Donald Stuart Wentworth, age 86 of Clare, passed away peacefully on Thursday, December 26, 2024, at home. On November 12, 1938, Don was born to Will and Mildred (Derby) Wentworth in Clare, MI. Before Don graduated from Clare High School in 1957, he took a short break to complete basic training. Don proudly served in the Army reserves from 1956-1962 and the Michigan national guard,1963-64. He was united in marriage with the love of his life, Marcia (Lynk) on September 30, 1963. They moved to Jackson, MI where Don started his career with the Michigan Department of Corrections and where he completed his degree at Michigan State University. His 27-year career took them to both ends of the Upper Peninsula and then to Carson City, MI where he retired as a Deputy Warden in 1990. After Don retired, he and Marcia moved to Lake George, MI where they built a new home on his mother’s Shingle Lake property. Don and Marcia happily made new memories on the lake with their growing family of grandchildren. They decided they had one more project in them and bought a second home in Clare, MI where they gutted and refurbished his final home. Don’s greatest joy was spending time with family and helping them grow by sharing his life experiences. The kids will always remember “Back, Brains & Money”, “Knowledge, Skills & Experience” and “the Rule of 72”.
Don is survived by his loving wife of 61 years, Marcia Wentworth of Clare. He is survived by his son David (Lynette) Wentworth of Wyoming, MI; his daughters Amy (Randy) Burnet of Morrisburg, Ontario and Margaret (Victor) Fox; his sister Sandra (Rodney) Hundey; his grandchildren, Donovan Wentworth, Isobel (Lain) Veihl, Eleanor Wentworth, Dale Burnet, Maegan (Zack) Stewart, Jeremy (Tammy Rose) Fox, William (Lindsey) Wentworth and Eric (Nikki) Wentworth and his great grandchildren and great, great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his son Daniel Wentworth.
A Celebration of Life will be held on January 4 at 11:00 am at the St. Cecelia, Our Lady of Hope Catholic Church 106 E. Wheaton Ave, Clare, MI 48617. A small luncheon will be served after Mass. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Don’s name to the Knights of Columbus.
Arrangements were handled by the Clare Chapel of Stephenson-Wyman Funeral Home. On-line condolences may be left at www.stephenson-wyman.com
