Neil Kenneth Wenger

Wenger, Neil Kenneth “Ken” age 90, of Ann Arbor, MI, passed away October 27, 2014 at home, where he was able to spend his last few months thanks to his son and daughter-in-law, who brought him home and moved in with him to be his caregivers. Ken was born in Ann Arbor on April 1, 1924, to Herman “Dave” and Olga (Layher) Wenger. He grew up in Ann Arbor and graduated from Ann Arbor High School in 1943. Ken was a World War II veteran, having served in the U.S. Army Air Corps 306th Bombardment Group as a waist gunner in the B-17 Bomber. While stationed at Thurleigh Airfield in Bedfordshire, England, Ken traveled to Nottingham, England, and met Beatrice Hinchcliffe on a blind date arranged by one of his crew members, who was dating Bea’s best friend. Ken and Bea continued to date whenever Ken could get to Nottingham on a three-day pass. After his discharge from service in May 1946, Ken returned to Nottingham where he and Bea were married on September 21, 1946. They settled in Ann Arbor and raised three children. Ken and Bea had been married 63½ years when Bea passed away in April 2010. Ken worked as a highly-skilled auto mechanic and it seemed he could make or fix anything requiring the skills of a mechanic, plumber, electrician, or builder. He never hesitated to assist neighbors and friends in need. Ken is survived by his son and daughter-in-law Keith and Jody Wenger, of Manchester, MI and Ann Arbor, his daughter Valerie Wenger, of Ann Arbor, five grandchildren, eight great grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews and their families in the U.S. and England. In addition to his wife Bea, Ken was preceded in death by his son Paul Wenger, his great grandson Justin Wenger, his brother and sister-in-law Karl and Kay Wenger, all of the U. S., and his four sisters-in-law and their husbands in England. Cremation has taken place; inurnment followed at Washtenong Memorial Park on October 31, 2014.