Erma Jean Wentz

8/5/30-10/28/12

Erma was born in Litchfield, NE on August 5, 1930 to Henry and Katherine Bickel and went to her heavenly home on October 28, 2012 at the age of 82.

Erma grew up in Nebraska and graduated from the University of Nebraska in 1952. In August of 1954 she married the love of her life, Larry Wentz and they moved to California. She received her Master’s Degree from the University of San Francisco and they both became teachers at Atwater High School for 33 years.

She was a member of the California Retired Teachers Association, American Association of University Women, Atwater High School Retired Women’s Club, AARP, Atwater Methodist Church and past president of the Atwater Women’s Club.

Erma was a beautiful woman inside and out. Erma spoke often of her siblings and her many nieces and nephews. She had a very large family and many friends all of whom she loved dearly and was very devoted to.

She was preceded in death by her loving husband of 45 years in October 2000, Larry; her parents; and siblings, Fredrick Bickel, William Bickel, Francis Shuman, Ruth Davis, Ruby O’Connor, Katherine Wiest and Floyd Bickel.

Erma is survived by her son, Daniel (Mary); grandson, Matthew Van Hagen (Lisa); and great granddaughter, Hadley all of Merced; son, Lewis Wentz and daughter, Zoe Wentz both of Modesto; two sisters, Blanche Bickel of Nebraska and Norma Weehler of Iowa; and in-laws, Stanley (Joan) Wentz and Bill (Audrey) Wilde all of Nebraska.

In lieu of flowers the family is requesting donations be made in Erma’s name to the American Cancer Society, 1101 Sultan Ave, Ste. 105, Modesto, CA 95350.

A memorial service is planned for Thursday, November 1, 2012 at 11:00am at Stratford Evans Merced Funeral Home, 1490 B St., Merced, CA 95340.

Arrangements are under the direction of Stratford Evans Merced Funeral Home.