Mr Fred Wenger Jr.

Fred Wenger, Jr. “Freddie” 89 of Bluffton passed away on Wednesday afternoon, September 26, 2012, at his Bluffton residence. Fred was born on September 6, 1923 in Adams County to Frederic & Sarah Edna (Micheal) Wenger. A lifelong resident of Wells County, he attended Bluffton High School. In April of 1943 he enlisted with the United States Navy, after the invasion on Normandy he was transferred to the First Marine Division where he served for 2 years until June of 1946. He was discharged as a Pharmacist’s Mate First Class. On May 24, 1949 in Vera Cruz, Fred married Edna L. (Walter) Wenger. They shared the last 63 years. Fred was a hard worker who always had a project going. He enjoyed spending time on his farm, in his garden and walking his beloved dog “Pounder". He retired as a carpenter at Cline Lumber Company in 1985 after 35 years. Even after retirement, he enjoyed working in his “Shop” designing and constructing furniture for family and friends. He also attended St. John’s United Church of Christ in Vera Cruz. He is survived by his wife Edna of Bluffton along with children; Susan Wenger (husband Dennis Shipley) of Fort Wayne, Mark (wife Sheila) Wenger of Bluffton, Elaine (husband Dale) Wenger-Roesener of Las Vegas, NV, Ret. Col. Fred (wife Patricia) Wenger, III, USMC of Annandale, VA. and Judith (husband Tim) Schaffter of Roanoke along with 12 grandchildren and 7 great grandchildren. He is also survived by siblings Norman Wenger of Decatur, Joan (husband Gene) Clanin of Bluffton, Don (wife Ann) Wenger of Fort Wayne and Betty Lou Bercot of Berne. He is preceded in death by his parents and siblings Mary Shaw, Harry Wenger and Dorothy Bacon. Friends are invited to visit with the Wenger family from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Saturday, September 29, 2012, at the Thoma/Rich, Chaney & Lemler Funeral Home in Bluffton. Funeral services will take place at 2 p.m. Sunday, September 30, 2012, in the funeral home with calling for one hour prior to the service. Dr. Jeane Spoor will officiate. Burial will follow at Six-Mile Cemetery in Bluffton with Military honor performed by the American Legion Post #111 of Bluffton and the United States Navy Honor Guard. Memorial may be made in Fred’s memory to Plum Tree United Church of Christ or to Crossroads Children’s Home. Friends can send online condolences to www.thomarich.com.

Mr Fred Wenger Jr.

September 6, 1923 - September 26, 2012