William John "Bill" Wentzel

William John “Bill” Wentzel, 73, of Raleigh, North Carolina, peacefully passed away on August 30th, 2025, surrounded by family at his home. He was born on July 15, 1952, in Harrisburg, Illinois, to John and Noveda (Shetler) Wentzel. He overcame multiple health challenges during his last three years of life. After being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in November 2023, Bill did not give up and chose to fight this challenging disease until the very end. Bill was able to welcome his first grandson, witness his grandson’s first birthday, and celebrate many milestones and holidays with his family until he passed. Born in Harrisburg, IL, Bill was the eldest son of 7 children born to Noveda and John Wentzel. Bill was an active member in the marching band and played many different sports in high school. He was known as “Mr. Fix It” all through his life, and wired his childhood family home for electricity. He later followed this passion by obtaining a degree in Electrical Engineering at Southern Illinois University before working for John Deere in Iowa in design. He transitioned to sales of microchips in the Research Triangle Park as a subject matter expert. Bill lived his life for his wife and children and was the ultimate “family man.” Bill always put his family first, and never missed a sporting event, performance, or recital for his children. He particularly enjoyed supporting his son Mike’s journey to earning the rank of Eagle Scout. Bill kept in touch with all his siblings who were spread across the US and even helped them with their repair needs. Before Bill met his wife Meg, he traveled across the US on a Greyhound Bus and toured Europe to see many historical sites. He enjoyed beach vacations with family, a road trip out west, and many trips to Illinois and New Jersey for holidays. William is survived by his beloved spouse, Meg Wentzel; his children, Amy Imbrogno (Michael) and Mike Wentzel; his grandson, Louis “Louie” Imbrogno; his siblings, Carolyn Wentzel, Kate Wentzel, Leo Wentzel (Kendell), Jake Wentzel (Karen), Mary Mechler, and Missy Cain (George); and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Noveda Wentzel. A eulogy will be held at 12:45 pm followed by a funeral service at 1:00 pm at St. Andrew’s Catholic Church in Apex, NC, on Friday, September 5th, 2025. Flowers may be sent to the church or memorial contributions may be made to the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network.

William John "Bill" Wentzel

July 15, 1952 - August 30, 2025