Raymond “Lee” Wenger (2020)

DONOVAN, HANS, HOWELL, JORDON, LYNCH, MOOTHART, THORPE, WENGER, WENDT

Posted By: Shirley Keating
Date: 11/8/2023 at 18:03:14

Winterset Madisonian
Winterset, Iowa
Wednesday, November 11, 2020

Raymond “Lee” Wenger, 80, passed away peacefully Nov. 5, 2020, in the CCU at Methodist Hospital related to the devastating effects of the COVID-19 coronavirus. Lee’s family would like everyone to know COVID is real. Careful social distancing, masks, and all businesses and the public following CDC guidelines may prevent the death toll from continuing to rise. We took it seriously and lost a great friend, father, step father, grandfather and great-grandfather.

Lee was born to Rueben and Evelyn Wenger Feb. 14, 1940, a welcomed Valentine’s Day gift. Maybe that is part of why Lee had such a big heart. Lee grew up near Beaver, Iowa, on a family farm and was part of a large family which included three girls and five boys.

He learned how to work hard and that is where his sense fairness and being responsible started. Lee passed his qualities on to those who listened and learned. He had a simple sense of humor which was a little crude at times all while remaining innocent. As a young man Lee was a member of the National Guard and was honorably discharged.

Later Lee met his first wife, Linda Thorpe, to whom he was married for 35 years. During their marriage they adopted a baby girl, Kelly Lynne. Kelly (Jason) Donovan resides in Sioux Falls, SD. Kelly has two children: Mekenzie Hans, her children Bryden and Mia, and Zaxston Hans. Linda passed away in October of 1997.

Lee worked many years at Sargeant Quarries and Nelson Development where he was a heavy equipment mechanic. He retired from Nelson’s when they closed for business 2000.

Lee’s second wife, Diana (Howell), were best friends for over 22 years. Lee was a stepfather and grandfather to Diana’s four children and 10.8 grandchildren. He was special and loved very much by them all. Lee enjoyed watching them grow, get married and have children of their own. He rocked babies to sleep while he also napped. He loved family get-togethers for birthdays and other holidays. He always thought of others first and loved getting the swimming pool ready for the grandkids to come visit.

Diana shared her family and all their love with Lee. Ryan (Holli) Jordan, their children Colin, Devin, and Isabella of Winterset; Ashley (Justin) Wendt, their children Cale, Colton, and Carly of Indianola; Brenda (Joshua) Lynch, their children Elley, Tavian and baby girl Jensyn to arrive in December of Cumming; and William (Laken) Moothart, their children Cash and Jet of Lake Havasu, Ariz.

Due to COVID-19 coronavirus there will be no services. We would like our family and friends to celebrate Lee’s life by social distancing and remaining safe. Condolences can be directed to Diana at our home, 2923 N. 1st St., Hwy. 169, Winterset IA 50273. Plans are to plant and nurture a memory garden to honor Lee for next spring.

Gravesite
 

Madison Obituaries maintained by Linda Griffith Smith.
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