Wilma Jean Brentz

Wilma Jean Brentz passed peacefully on February 28, 2026. She was born October 31, 1927 on a family farm east of Washington, Illinois; the fourth daughter of Joseph B. and Pearl Imhoff Schertz. She graduated from Washington High School in 1945.

Wilma married Harry William (Bill) Brentz, Jr on April 29, 1950 at Calvary Mennonite Church. They raised three sons in Farmington, Illinois: David (Cis) of Maple Grove, MN; J. Michael (Angela) of Taylorville, IL; and Steven (Patty) of Branson, MO.

Wilma was preceded in death by her husband, three sisters (Gladys Schulz, Edith Rentch, and Verna Ternig), and grandson Mark Brentz. She is survived by her sons, one sister, Alta Gehrke; four grandchildren: Katy (Jeff) Nuss, Ashley (Joey) Hawkins, Jacob (Sydney) Brentz, and James Brentz and six Great Grandchildren: Eliza and Evan Nuss; Kinsley, Cooper and Quinn Hawkins; and William Robert Brentz.

Wilma was a stay-at-home mother and gardener. She was a member of the Presbyterian Church in Farmington, IL and a volunteer at the Farmington Museum. Wilma also volunteered for 30 years at the Illinois Mennonite Historical and Genealogical Society.

Funeral service at Oaks-Hines Funeral Home in Canton, IL, Thursday, March 5 at 1:00 pm followed by private graveside service in Trivoli Cemetery. Reception to follow at Farmington Presbyterian Church Community Hall. In lieu of flowers, memorials to Farmington Rescue Squad 1100, Farmington Presbyterian Church or Farmington Masonic Lodge #192.

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