A former state health officer during the administration of Gov. George Sinner, Dr. Robert Wentz, 65, Bismarck, died Saturday in a Bismarck hospital.

During his tenure, Wentz was actively involved in public health issues such as smoking, AIDS, disease prevention, clean air, safe water, waste management, health care reform and environmental issues.

Mark Trechock, staff director of the Dakota Resource Council in Dickinson, called Wentz a fine public servant. The DRC worked with Wentz on the issues of mercury pollution, one passion that was very important to Wentz, Trechock said.

"He really wanted to see controls on mercury emissions from power plants, which we also favor," he said. "I think it was important to him as a physician who knew what the impacts of mercury were on human health, especially for young children and (expectant) mothers."

"We talked a lot about issues, (which) sprang from his concerns as a physician."

Wentz was willing to speak his mind, which is often difficult for public officials to do, Trechock said. "He was willing to do that. He deserved credit for his courage in that regard."

Trechock said he was less directly involved with Wentz's work on the Sawyer landfill, but his impression was that as state health officer at the time, Wentz did his best to put in as many protections and safeguards as he could, for which Wentz deserves credit, Trechock said.

"We need more public servants and public figures like Dr. Wentz to raise these issues."

Anative of Kansas, Wentz received his medical degree from the University of Kansas and practiced pediatrics in Minot at the U.S. Air Force Hospital before joining the department of pediatrics at Q & R Clinic in Bismarck in 1976. He became the state director of maternal and child health in 1977, and in 1985 was appointed by Sinner as state health officer.

In 1987, Wentz was named one of two winners of the first Ruth Meiers Service to Children Awards. He left his position as state health officer after the election of Gov. Ed Schafer in 1992.

Arrangements for Wentz are pending with Bismarck Funeral Home and Crematory.