Dr. Richard E. Wentz died of natural causes on September 25, 2011 at his home in Flagstaff.He was born in Palmerton, PA on January 10, 1928.His parents were Walter and Mary Wentz.His wife, Joan Coldren Wentz, preceded him in death on August 22, 2011.

Dr. Wentz is survived by his children, Selena Stewart, Susanna McCleve and Melissa Cihan, six grandchildren and his brothers Darryl and Dwight.

Richard held degrees from Ursinus College, Lancaster Theological Seminary and received his PhD from George Washington University in American Church History.He served parishes in Harrisonburg, VA and Mercersburg, PA and was chaplain and instructor at Mercersburg Academy.He also served as campus minister at Pennsylvania State University.He was founder and chairman of the Religious Studies Department at Arizona State University.He retired as Professor Emeritus of Religious Studies and continued teaching courses at ASU and NAU.

He had a great interest in amateur theater and performed in many starring roles.He is the author of numerous publications and books, including, "American Religious Traditions: The Shaping of Religion in the United States" and "Why People do Bad Things in the Name of Religion."He served in the Episcopal Church regionally and nationally and participated in the liturgical and community life of the Church of the Epiphany, here in Flagstaff.

Richard will be greatly missed by his family and the many friends and associates he met all over the country.

A memorial service with the Eucharist will be celebrated at the Church of the Epiphany, 423 N. Beaver St. on Saturday, October 8, 2011 at 2:00 pm.In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the memorial fund at Church of the Epiphany, in the name of Richard Wentz.