Wendell Jay Montney

Age 73, of Mt. Morris, passed away on Friday, October 3, 2025, at McLaren Flint. A Memorial Service will take place at 11:00am, on Saturday, October 25th, 2025, at Richfield Church of the Nazarene, 7524 East Mt. Morris Road, Otisville, Michigan. Pastor Alan Duce to officiate. Immediately following the service, family will continue to gather at the church for a celebration of Wendell's life. In accordance with his wishes, a private burial will be held at Great Lakes National Cemetery. Due to Wendell’s great respect for education, memorial contributions may be considered to the family, as they initiate a scholarship fund in Wendell’s honor. Expressions of sympathy may be shared with the family on Wendell’s tribute wall at martinfuneralhome.com.

Wendell Jay Montney was born on February 6, 1952, in Flint, Michigan, the son of the late Mr. and Mrs. Donald H. and Donnabelle (Smith) Montney. Educated locally, Wendell attended Mt. Morris High School until 10th grade, to which he then moved and transferred to Adirondack Bible College in Northville, New York, graduating in 1969. Always striving to further his education, Wendell obtained a Bachelors of Science in Social Work from the University of Michigan, Flint campus, a Masters in Education from the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor campus, as well as a Doctorates degree in Clinical Psychology from La Salle University. He met the love of his life, Helen Pike, shortly after moving to New York. They were united in marriage on February 14, 1970, at Evangelical Wesleyan Church in Flint, Michigan. They were blessed with three beautiful children, to whom Wendell cherished deeply.

Shortly after his eldest son was born, Wendell heeded the call of duty, enlisting in the United States Army on October 21, 1971. During his time in service, Private First Class Montney was assigned to the 171st Infantry Brigade. Private First Class Montney was decorated with a National Defense Service Medal and the M-16 Marksmanship Badge. On August 24, 1972, Wendell earned his honorable discharge while stationed in Fort Wainwright, Fairbanks, Alaska.

Dedicated to a strong work ethic, Wendell worked in many different roles. Beginning at the age of 15 by building his entrepreneur skills, to creating many inpatient programs, Wendell didn’t hesitate to try his hand at new lines of work. He ministered at many churches to preach the word of God, including a church in Florida, and many churches in Michigan. His true pride was caring for those in need, working at various clinics and private practices, including DOT Caring Center. In 1997, Wendell founded and co-owned Kairos Healthcare, an inpatient and outpatient treatment center that would offer many programs to assist patients with drug and alcohol abuse. Determined to treat the patient fully, Wendell spearheaded many dual diagnosis programs that would treat more than just the addiction the patient faced. There were further education programs that allowed patients to obtain their GED, as well as women and children programs that assisted mothers with learning childcare skills. Wendell cared deeply for his patients, allowing many to thrive in their recovery. Outside of the clinic, he also initiated many grief support programs to assist those struggling with a loss of a loved one. His care didn’t stop with the patients he cared for in the treatment center, he provided a level of care to those in his congregation, his family, and his whole community.

Devoted to his faith in God, Wendell was a longtime member of the Central Church of the Nazarene, recently moving to the Richfield Church of the Nazarene. He also was a longtime member of the Kiwanis Club of Mt. Morris, as well as being a member of the Board of Education for 12 years for Mt. Morris Community Schools. Gifted with his musical capabilities, Wendell played many instruments, including trumpet, piano, guitar, and much more. He would utilize his musical capabilities by becoming a member of Bugles Across America, a team dedicated to playing Taps for fallen military soldiers and veterans. Wendell did not hesitate to pass his music skills on to his children and grandchildren, teaching them the importance of music, as well as caring for an instrument.

When Wendell wasn’t making positive changes to his community, he enjoyed spending quality time with his family and close friends. He loved playing many board games and card games with his wife, kids, and grandkids, as well as reading, writing poetry, and cheering on his favorite football team, University of Michigan (Go Blue!). He was extremely proud of his family and all their accomplishments, never failing to show his support and love. Wendell was well-respected by not only his peers, but his whole community.

Left to cherish his memory is his beloved wife: Helen Montney; his three children: David and wife, Tanya Montney, Deborah and husband, Brian Watson, Daniel and wife, Pamela Montney; his 12 grandchildren: Andrew (Justis) Heppner, Matthew (Jessica) Heppner, Brianne (Derek) Tober, Jasmine (Charles) Suzelis, Christian (Kristen) Montney, Adrian Montney, Samantha Rising, Codey (Allie) Watson, Casey (Chelsea) Watson, Cameron (Sarah) Montney, Vance (Morgan) Hamilton, Bradley (Elizabeth) Montney; his eight great-grandchildren; his brother: Donald C. (Maggie) Montney; his longtime friend: Dr. Dennis (Mary) Lloyd; as well as many beloved nieces, nephews, cousins, and cherished friends.

Wendell was preceded in death by his parents: Donald H. and Donnabelle Montney; his two brothers: Lawrence and Wayne Montney; and his aunt Gloria.