Gayle Wentink

G ayle W entink peacefully passed away at Linden Court on March 12, 2024, at age 95.

Gayle was born February 2, 1929, to Rudy and Ruth Wentink in Lincoln where he grew up.  After graduating from Lincoln High School, Gayle enlisted into the U.S. Navy in February 1946.  He served on a ship based in China and the South Pacific.

On April 5, 1950, Gayle married Kathleen Wells in Nebraska.  Since he was still in active duty, the couple began their life together in Solana Beach, CA.  Following his discharge they returned to Lincoln where they settled, raised their family and Gayle worked for NPPD.  It wasn't until 2016 when they moved to North Platte.

Gayle was a member of the American Legion and he loved the outdoors, fishing and bow hunting.  He especially enjoyed fly fishing and collecting fishing poles.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Kathleen, and daughter and son-in-law, Kathy and Mike Kujawa; his parents, Rudy and Ruth; sister, Audrey and husband, Don Jorgenson; brother-in-law, Burt Wells; and sister-in-law, Teresa Wells.

Gayle is survived by his sons, Mike Wentink (Cathi) of North Platte and Jerry Wentink of Glenwood Springs, CO; grandchildren, Paul Wentink (Amanda) and Eric Wentink of Colorado and Christopher Kujawa and Nicholas Kujawa of Phoenix; great-grandchildren, Scarlett, Blake and Savannah Wentink; brother-in-law, Ken Wells of Virginia; niece Shelia Oldenburg (Tom) of Colorado; and other family.

Graveside service with military honors will be held at 2 p.m. on Friday, March 22, at Fort McPherson National Cemetery.  Online condolences may be shared at odeanchapel.com.  Odean Colonial Chapel at C & Sycamore is in charge of arrangements.