Barb's service will be livestreamed through St. Paul's Lutheran Church Facebook page.

Barbara Ann (Stoltenberg) Wentz was born January 29th, 1942 to Frank and Theresa (Derner) Stoltenberg at the family farm in Naper, Nebraska.  Barb gained her wings on October 12th, 2022 at the Butte Healthcare Center in Butte, Nebraska at the age of 80 years and 9 months.

Barb attended country school east of Naper close to her family's farm.  She then graduated from Naper High School in 1960.  It was there that she met her high school sweetheart, Bob.  When Bob saw Barb walk off that school bus for the first time, he knew she was the one.  They were united in marriage on November 19th, 1960 at the First Congregational Church in Naper, Nebraska.  To this union three daughters were born; Nancy, Brenda, and Tammy.  Barb was an active member of St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Naper.

They made many friends along the way, starting their life together in Atkinson, NE.  They also resided in Gregory, SD. and Springfield, SD, but came back to their roots in 1967 where they called Naper their home.

Barb loved the simple things in life.  Spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren was the most important to her.  Barb used her artistic talent to make many decorated birthday cakes and drew countless numbers of pictures for all the grandchildren.  Fun times were always had at family gatherings, whether it was playing Annie-Annie I Over, Easter egg tosses, water fights or just enjoying a home cooked meal.

Bob and Barb worked side by side for 62 years.  She was Bob's right-hand man, whether it was time spent in the Body Shop sanding, putting in windshields or helping on the family farm, working cattle or fixing fence.  Barb was always up for a trip to the sale barn with Bob watching the cattle sell. They also enjoyed attending rodeos, coon hunting, stock-car races and especially morning coffee with their friends at the local Naper Cafe. Later in life, Barb was in need of extra care at home.  It was then that she developed a special bond with Sharon Neuharth.

Barb is survived by her husband, Bob; children, Nancy (Ivan) Nelson; Brenda (Mark) Lamp; Tammy (Mike) Haney; 7 grandchildren:  Beth (Shane) Lechtenberg; Justin (Katlyn) Nelson; LaDana (Marshall) Spreckels; Lacey Lamp; Matthew (Lexi) Lamp; Mindy (Joe) Spencer; Katelyn Haney. 13 great-grandchildren:  Lanie, Jaylee, Ally, Pierce, Porter, Asher, Nola, Tate, Ridge, Kaylee, Brody, Brigham and Rylan.  Sister Betty Bentz and Brother Ken (Shirley) Stoltenberg; Brother-in-law Dennis Wentz and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Frank and Theresa Stoltenberg; In-laws, Art and Elsie Wentz; 2 brothers Al and Verlin Stoltenberg; 2 sister-in-laws, Delores Stoltenberg and Carol Wentz; and her brother-in-law, Donald Bentz.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, October 15, 2022 at 10:30 AM at St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Naper, NE.    Burial will be in the St. Paul's Lutheran Cemetery, Naper.  Visitation will Friday from 6:00 PM until 7:00 PM, with a 7:00 PM prayer service, at the Church.