Michael L Slentz

Butler – Michael L. Slentz, 68, loving husband and father, passed away on Saturday June 6, 2020 in an accident at his home in Butler. He was born on May 18, 1952 in Garrett to Robert and Anna (Bauman) Slentz. His parents survive in Butler. Michael was a 1969 graduate of Hamilton High School, earned his Bachler’s Degree from Manchester College and his master’s degree from Indiana University. He was a huge IU fan and loved watching IU basketball. Along with being an insurance Salesman for Short and Associates in Fort Wayne, Michael was a longtime farmer, raising both crops and livestock. For forty plus years he raised sheep with his wife, and eventually his three children, in Dekalb county. He always had a special way with the sheep and unique gift for caring for the baby lambs. Over the years he loved watching his children and most recently his granddaughters show sheep at the Dekalb County fair. Besides farming and raising sheep, Michael enjoyed being outdoors and tending to the large garden that he planted every year. He especially loved planting his sweet corn and sunflowers, which he often took to the 4H fair. When he was not working outdoors you could find him researching genealogy, eating ice cream, or listening to his favorite classic rock. His four grandchildren brought him an immense amount of joy and he was so proud to be a grandfather! Michael was a member of Butler United Methodist Church where he and his late wife Rebecca ran the food pantry for many years. He was a former Board Member of the DeKalb County Community Foundation and a 4-H Leader and volunteer for many years. He married Rebecca Sue Wentzel on August 17, 1974 in the Butler United Methodist Church and she passed away December 29, 2019. Michael was a kind, generous, smart, hard-working, honest, loving, humble man who touched and impacted many lives in the community. He was a loving husband and a devoted father, and he will be so greatly missed! Surviving are 2 sons and a daughter, John (Angie) Slentz of Butler, Matthew (Fei) Slentz of Austin, TX, Rachel (Matt) Jun of Mishawaka; 4 grandchildren, Rowan Tinker, Pearl Slentz, Robert H. Slentz and Rebecca Jun; 2 sisters, Diane Meal of Cicero and Denise (Mitch) Shepherd of Butler. Calling is 3 to 7 PM Thursday June 11, 2020 at Feller and Clark Funeral Home, 1860 Center Street, Auburn. Private family services will be Friday at the funeral home. Burial will take place in Eddy Cemetery, Hamilton. Memorials may be made to the “Rebecca “Becky” Slentz Fund for Early Childhood Literacy” at the Community Foundation DeKalb County, 700 S. Main Street, P.O. Box 111, Auburn, IN 46706. To send condolences visit www.fellerandclark.com.