Darrel Wentz passed away on February 3rd, 2026, at the age of 79. He was born on Dec 31, 1946, in Wichita, KS to William (Wink) and Dorothy Wentz. He attended Kansas State University until he was drafted into the army in 1969 and sent to Vietnam. He served his country for over 20 years and was a helicopter pilot for 17 of those years, retiring in 1989 as a Chief Warrant Officer (CWO 4). He was then hired by United Airlines where he flew the 727, 747, 757 and retired from United as a Captain on the 767 in 2006.
Darrel married Patricia Sanders in 1972, and adopted her daughter, Leslie. He was her DAD and was always so proud of her.
Darrel was a member of the Roundup Riders of the Rockies since 1998, serving as president in 2020 and 2021, and as a Director Emeritus. He was a member of the Colorado Mule Riders and served as their president in 2022. Some of his best times were spent in the saddle enjoying the fellowship of these groups. He also volunteered as a Ramrod for 10 years at the Pikes Peak or Bust Rodeo.
After several military postings, including Alaska, where he enjoyed fishing and hunting in his free time, he and his family returned to Colorado. Darrel and Pat eventually founded the Wind Dancer Ranch in Elbert, where they built their home and have spent the past 31 years. He loved tinkering on the ranch and spending time with their horses, longhorns and mules.
Darrel is survived by his wife, Pat, his daughter Leslie, son-in-law Justin Hill, granddaughter Grace Hill, grandson Travis Hill (Shona) and their two boys, Henry and Harvey, as well as his niece, Michelle Dooner, his nephew, Jay Dooner, and his Uncle Warren Windsor. He is also survived by many wonderful friends and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents and younger sister, Marcia Wentz.
He was a good man, a good husband, father and grandfather. He was always so proud of his family.
Darrel led with integrity and faith, and his compass always pointed true north.
Darrel’s life was a life well lived and he will be greatly missed.
A Celebration of Life will be held Sunday, March 15, 2026 at Ironworks, 25 Larimer St., Denver, CO 80204. Service begins at 2 PM with a reception following.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Roundup Riders of the Rockies, Colorado Mule Riders & Calhan United Methodist Church
