Karl "Ruffy" Christian Wentzel III

Karl Christian Wentzel III, 71, resident of Deltona, Florida, passed away peacefully with his wife, Mary, at his side, in Fort Collins, Colorado on May 3, 2024. He was born February 14, 1953 in Columbus, Ohio to the late Karl Christian Wentzel II and Lily Mae (Jones) Wentzel.

Karl graduated from Newark (Ohio) High School in 1971. Shortly after graduation, he enlisted in the United States Air Force and served loyally during the Vietnam conflict. His passion for aviation and flight simulators led to his 35-year career with Lockheed Martin. While working full-time and traveling extensively, he pursued and received his B.S. degree from Embry Riddle Aeronautical University in 2017. After retirement from Lockheed Martin, Karl started his own aviation simulator consulting business. Karl was also active in the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) for many years.

In his later years, Karl become passionate about running and completed a combination of over 250 triathlons, marathons, half-marathons, and other race events across the USA. His favorite places to train were Lake Minneola in Clermont, Florida, and Dallas White Rock Lake. In addition, Karl had a life-long love of his many pets.

Karl is survived by his wife of 42 years, Mary Wentzel; daughter, Adriane Sutherland (Matthew); grandson, Jalen Sutherland, and another grandchild expected in June; sisters, Janice “Jan” Wilkin (Daniel) and Rebecca “Becky” Orr (Rodger); and brother-in-law, Clarence Green; as well as numerous nieces and nephews and great-nieces and nephews.

Karl is preceded in death by his parents; sisters Lillian Armentrout and Beverly Green; brother Richard Wentzel; and brother-in-law Gordon Armentrout.

In accordance with Karl's wishes, no services will be held. His family will privately honor his life in a way that he would have appreciated.

Memorial contributions may be made to Pathways Hospice Inpatient Care Center https://pathways-care.org/give-now/.

To sign an on-line guestbook please visit https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/ft-collinsco/karl-wentzel-11796863