Michael Brent Wentzien

Michael Brent Wentzien, 86, of Gladbrook, Iowa, passed away peacefully on Friday, January 2, 2026, at the Grundy Care Center.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, January 10, 2026, at Gladbrook Methodist Church in Gladbrook, Iowa. Visitation will take place at the church on Friday, January 9, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Memorials may be directed to the family. For condolences or more information, please visit www.mitchellfh.com or call 641-844-1234. Mitchell Family Funeral Home is caring for Michael and his family.

Michael Brent Wentzien was born on August 15, 1939, in Marshalltown, Iowa to Irwin Heinrich “Hi” and Vivian (Walter) Wentzien. He graduated from Gladbrook High School in 1957 and earned his bachelor’s degree from the University of Iowa in 1961. On July 16, 1967, Michael married Sara Vance at Grace Methodist Church in Des Moines. Mike was the third-generation owner and operator of the Wentzien Hardware Co. that was established in 1901 in Gladbrook, he was a lobbyist for the Iowa State Association of County Supervisors, and a housing specialist at Region 6 Resource Partners. He also shared his expertise as an HVAC instructor at Marshalltown Community College.

Throughout his life, Mike served his community in many roles: several terms as mayor and city councilman of Gladbrook, Tama County supervisor, secretary of the Tama County Crime Commission, and SATUCI board member. He was a lifelong member of the Gladbrook Methodist Church, founding member of the Jaycee’s Gladbrook Chapter and State Vice President, Maple Hill Cemetery secretary, member of Tama & Marshall County Mental Health Board Chairman of Region 6 Planning Commission member of the Gladbrook Lions Club, and a member of the Delta Upsilon fraternity at the University of Iowa. He volunteered as a firefighter and a Cub Scout and Boy Scoutmaster. He loved cheering for the Iowa Hawkeyes and New York Yankees, playing bridge, grilling, enjoying conversations with friends, and most of all, spending time with his family.

Michael is survived by his loving wife of 58 years, Sara; their children Michael (Sarah) Wentzien, Michelle (Kevin)Vietmeier, and Melissa Meyeraan; and grandchildren Jacob, Brianna, and Devan Vietmeier, Paul, John, and Lauren Wentzien, Keira and Mallory Meyeraan, and his sister-in-law, K Wentzien.

Michael is preceded in death by his parents and siblings: Paul and Irwin (Marion) Wentzien.