09/28/2022
Stanley Joseph Wentland, 63, passed away suddenly from a Cardiac Arrhythmia and complete blockage of the Left Anterior Descending Coronary Artery at his home on Sunday, September 11, 2022 in Machesney Park, Illinois. Joe was born on July 6, 1959, in Rockford, Illinois. He was the son of Stanley Francis and Dorothy (Kisting) Wentland. Joe graduated from Harlem High School in 1977 where he was a multi-sport letterman and was first team All-Big Four and All-Area his senior year in Football. Joe attended Rock Valley College before attending Northern Illinois University and was a collegiate Football player. Joe was employed by the Carpenters Union, Local 792 for over 35 years and had owned and operated his own business; Classic Construction. Joe Wentland was heavily involved in the community; he was a local Machesney Park Trustee where he created the motto “Keep Kids Alive Drive 25”. He believed in the importance of volunteer work. Joe was a youth coach at the Harlem Community Center, the Boys and Girls Club, and Nelson Storm youth football. Joe volunteered with the Harlem High School Construction Class and served on the HCC Building Grounds Committee. Joe was the mastermind who devised the system to disassemble Project Playworks so that it could be moved to the HCC Wentland Family Sports Complex and reassembled there. Joe was a part of the Harlem Fans Club and was named “Huskie Who Made a Difference”. Joe was also a member of the Rockford Verdi Club where he enjoyed many meals and memories made with his family and friends. Recently retired but was employed with Trickie Enterprises where he plowed in the winters and took on many construction jobs. Joe continued his Classic Construction business and passed his knowledge and skills to his children; Megan, Harrison, and Adrian who worked alongside him. In 2018, Joe began a new endeavor “Papa’s Pumpkin Patch” in the back yard of his home that he built in 1990. And on special occasions you could find him limo driving with his friend, Pat Burke. Joe was a devout, wonderful and caring Father and Grandfather who never missed any event, no matter the distance. Joe was the family’s greatest fan in the stands. Joe’s children and grandchildren were his proudest accomplishments and he loved them all unconditionally. Joe was selfless, generous, gentle, humble and a family man. Joe taught them the importance of love, patience, and hard work. Joe gave the best hugs, advice and always wore a smile. Joe made new friends everywhere that he went and was never afraid to be silly and just have a good time. Joe had a great sense of humor, was very optimistic and could find the bright side in each and every situation. Joe was full of wisdom and was ready and willing to lend a hand to those in need. Joe enjoyed watching football, attending Cubs Games, mowing and working in his yard, classic rock and country music, watching fireworks, working on tractors, breakfast restaurants, helping others, working on cars in his garages, playing with his grandchildren, family meals, garage sales, desserts, and chocolate milk. His family is truly honored, blessed and proud to call him their dad and Papa.
Joe is survived by his daughter, Megan (Jeff) Farr; son, Harrison (Kate) Wentland; son, Adrian Wentland; and their mother. Grandchildren; Gavin, Dessa, and Dayton Farr; Charlie and Josie Wentland. Sisters; Joan (Jim) Webb, Mary Witt, Theresa (Gordon) Reilly, Susan (Jim) Cunningham. Brothers; Tom (Rose) Wentland, and Mike Wentland. Also survived by many cousins and several nieces and nephews. Many special friends, extended family and his rescue kitten, Fred. He is preceded in death by his Mother, Dorothy, Father, Stanley, and brother in-law Scott Witt.
A Celebration of life will be held Sunday, October 9, 2022, from 1:00 – 4:00 P.M. on at The Rockford Verdi Club 782 N. Madison St, Rockford, IL. 61107. Stateline Cremations is assisting the family, 712 Windsor Road, Loves Park, IL. 61111. www.statelinecremations.com
