May 9, 1922 - June 1, 2012

ELKHART — Gerald L. "Jerry" Wenger, 90, of Elkhart, passed away at 6:07 p.m. Friday, June 1, 2012, at Elkhart General Hospital of natural causes.

He was born May 9, 1922, in Elkhart to Allen G. and Maude E. (Harter) Wenger and later married Shirley Ann Weaver on Dec. 31, 1946, in Elkhart. She passed away in 2003.

Along with his wife and parents, Jerry was preceded in death by a daughter, Kathy A. Tucker; and a grandson, Gerald A. Wenger.

Surviving are his daughters, Karen R. (Randy) Redman of Elkhart and Sharon K. (Randy) Wilson of Bristol; son Dennis L. (Susie) Wenger of Elkhart; eight grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; and one great-great-granddaughter.

A celebration of Jerry's life will begin with a visitation from 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, June 6, 2012, followed by a funeral at 11 a.m. Thursday, June 7, 2012, with visitation one hour prior. All services will be at Billings Funeral Home, Elkhart. Pastor Tim Sheets will officiate. The U.S. Army Funeral Honor Guard and Elkhart DAV Chapter 19 will render graveside military honors in Prairie Street Cemetery following the funeral.

Jerry served in the U.S. Army during World War II, serving in Central Europe, the Ardennes and the Rhineland. He worked nearly 50 years at NIBCO in Elkhart, retiring in 1987. He was an avid flower and vegetable gardener and animal lover, especially dogs, but he enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren most of all.

Memorial donations may be given to the American Heart Association or to the Humane Society of Elkhart County. Condolences can reach the family on the funeral home's website.

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