Stephen W. Werntz ’77 died on September 14, 2016 in Boston, Massachusetts.

(The following was provided by family)

Stephen (“Steve”) Willing Werntz, of Falls Village, Connecticut, passed away on September 14, 2016, of health complications following a stroke in Boston, Massachusetts. He was 61.

Steve was born October 11, 1954 in Morristown, New Jersey, to George and Barbara Werntz. He graduated from Middlesex School in 1973 and Bowdoin College in 1977. At Middlesex, Steve was an all-league defensemen in hockey and standout football quarterback, but is perhaps best known for setting records as a placekicker with numerous field goals from over 50 yards. He holds the Bowdoin record for the longest field goal (47 yards) and is ranked fifth all-time in points for a place-kicker. Steve was a dedicated athlete, educator, coach and outdoorsman. He started his career in education as an English teacher and hockey coach at Far Hills Country Day School in Far Hills, New Jersey. He then moved with his family to Falls Village, Connecticut, working at the Indian Mountain School in Lakeville, Connecticut, as an English teacher, hockey coach, director of outdoor education, and assistant headmaster. His passion for the outdoors and challenge course programming led to Steve founding Indian Mountain Adventure (“IMA”). As president of IMA, Steve was responsible for running outdoor trips and programs for thousands of students, campers, and adults across the United States. The majority of the challenge courses built by IMA remain ACCT certified today, and the courses are actively used to teach the values of leadership, teamwork and camaraderie that Steve helped instill in all his students.

Steve was also a loving father and husband, and is survived by his two sons, Gregory Wilson and Bradley Werntz, and by his former wife, Laura Wilson Werntz.