Warren Carl Wenz

Surrounded by the ones he loved the very most, Warren C. Wenz, affectionately referred to by his eldest daughter, Jennifer, as ”DUB C. DUB”, embarked on his final journey on the morning of July 19th. Warren, a third generation Montanan, was born to Erna and Karl Wenz in Baker, MT on June 17, 1943. After graduating high school in Baker in 1961, he attended the University of Montana where he received his B.A. degree in Business Administration and was licensed as a Certified Public Accountant. He spent his college days as a proud member of Alpha Tau Omega, where he was named their “Worthy Master“ (president) as a senior. From there, he dove into law school, graduating from the University of Montana with his Juris Doctorate in 1968. Go Griz!

He began practicing law in 1968 with a firm that ultimately became Marra, Wenz & Johnson, P.C. From 1994, he was the firm’s senior member until he joined the firm of Jardine, Stephenson, Blewett & Weaver, P.C., in 2003. The Jardine firm and its predecessors began in 1890 and is the oldest law firm in the state of Montana, serving the entire state. He specialized in commercial law and estate planning, including litigation involving contract claims, shareholder disputes and contested estate proceedings.

Warren was devoted to the practice of law and community service. He was elected to two terms on the Great Falls Chamber of Commerce from 1977-1983, serving as its Chair in 1979-1980 and 1981-1983. He then was a member of the Board of Directors of the Great Falls Chamber of Commerce from 1983-1989, serving as its Chair in 1986-1987. He donated time as a School District Trustee from 1979-1980. He was a member of the Great Falls Chamber’s Military Affairs Committee for many years and served as its Chair from 1988-1989. He became a member of the Board of Directors of the Montana Chamber of Commerce in 1990 and was on that board until 1999, serving as its Chair in 1996-1997. He was a member of the Board of Directors of the Montana Chamber of Commerce Foundation from 1997-2005.

For more than 15 years, ending in 2008, Warren was a member of the Executive Board and traveling team of a group known as the Committee of Eighty, which was a division of the Great Falls Chamber of Commerce that promoted Great Falls and its neighbor, Malmstrom Air Force Base, throughout the United States. He was also a member of the Civilian Commanders Group of Air Force Space Command beginning in 2003. Effective January 1, 2008, Warren was selected to become a member of the Executive Action Group of the Chief of Staff of the Air Force. In 2015 the Air Force honored Warren with the Commander’s Award for Public Service.

His professional and community involvement took a backseat only to his love for his family. On a double date in August of 1969, the couples were involved in a motor vehicle accident. As the first responders ushered them to the hospital, he noticed his friend’s date, Sue, was no longer brunette, but a gorgeous blonde as her wig was knocked out of place. Warren was smitten and as soon as she was medically cleared, their relationship ensued. Warren and Susan K Judge were married just one year later in September of 1970. In June of 1973, they welcomed Jennifer J Wenz into their lives and in February of 1977, Timothy K Wenz, completed their family.

When Warren was not working or volunteering, he was found coaching his kids’ sports, playing with his kids, dancing, and cheering on the Griz, Packers, Celtics and Red Sox. In December of 2021 he became part owner of the Packers, a life-long dream. He was a true prankster and often had family and friends in stitches. Warren would go to the end of the earth for his kids, even so far as browsing the panty hose aisle to make sure his daughter had the perfect pink pair for prom. In 2016 and again in 2018 he became a grandfather and braved any weather condition to spend time in their lives.

Sadly, all great things do come to an end, and Warren will be truly missed. He is survived by his wife, Susan Wenz of Great Falls, his children, Jennifer Wenz of Denver and Timothy Wenz (Ashley Wenz) of Kalispell; his grandchildren, Bryden and Dylan Wenz; his younger brothers, Doug Wenz of Baker and Brad Wenz (Shari Wenz) of Missoula; phenomenal in-laws, and many nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents, Karl and Erna Wenz of Baker; and his sister-in-law, Randi Wenz of Baker.

A memorial service has been planned at the Heritage Inn on August 20 from 2-5pm at is open to the public. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to “The Friends of Airmen & Families” c/o any 1st Liberty Branch or mail to 1st Liberty Federal Credit Union, PO Box 5002, Great Falls, MT 59403.