Clinton J. Wentz M.D.

Clinton Wentz was born in central North Dakota, one of five children in a loving family. In keeping with Wentz tradition, Clinton attended North Central College in Naperville, Illinois. For school vacations, the Wentz family siblings and cousins all piled into Clinton’s gray station wagon to travel between Naperville and home. Clinton started preparing early for a career in medicine, working as a biology lab assistant and also as a hospital orderly during his undergraduate years. After earning his B.S. degree in Chemistry and Zoology, Clinton completed a two-year program at the University of North Dakota Medical School before transferring to the College of Medicine at the University of Iowa where he earned his medical degree.

In 1966, Clinton married Adeline Kemmet just days after graduating from medical school. They began married life in a suburb of Detroit. While Clinton focused on a rotating internship at Wayne County Hospital, Adeline provided support by working as a vocal and music teacher in greater Detroit. Then, in the midst of the Vietnam War, they were off to Brooks Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas for Clinton’s flight surgeon training. Following two years of service in the Air Force and the birth of Ellen, the family moved to Iowa City so Clinton could complete a residency in diagnostic radiology at the University of Iowa. Their second child, David, was born in Iowa at this time.

In 1972, Clinton moved to Peoria, Illinois with his wife and young children in order to join Dirkse, Anderson, Zwicky and Associates, the group that would later become Central Illinois Radiological Associates. For nearly four decades, Clinton practiced as a diagnostic radiologist. In addition to being a leader in gastrointestinal imaging, he was the physician director for the radiology technologist school. He was also kindly remembered as a great friend, mentor and teacher for his young partners, residents and medical students alike. He always treated patients and peers with kindness and passion. He truly lived the Sister’s mission at OSF “to serve persons with the greatest care and love in a community that celebrates the Gift of Life.”

There were other sides to Clinton Wentz, and they are vibrantly apparent to those who knew and understood him. For it is not only his medical career that must remain with us. He knew life and laughter, art and music, the value of knowledge and family. He was a person of quiet confidence, intelligence, humility, gentleness and faith. This is what made him the man he was. His children fondly remember him opening the door, smiling, waving and welcoming them home.

Clinton was filled with an abiding love for his family and friends. He is survived by Adeline, his wife of more than 57 years; daughter Ellen of Peoria and son David of Scottsdale, Arizona; brothers: Dennis Wentz, MD (Anne Colston Wentz, MD) of Bozeman, Montana; Rodney Wentz (Linda) of Napoleon, North Dakota and Norman Wentz (Deborah) of Napoleon, North Dakota. He was preceded in death by his parents, Edwin J. and Bertha Wentz; sister Marlys Eischen and brother-in-law Robert Eischen. Clinton was a long time member of First Federated Church in Peoria, Illinois.

Memorial contributions may be made to the OSF Richard L. Owens Hospice Home or the charity of choice.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at Woolsey-Wilton.com.