Eastern Mennonite University issued the following announcement.
Chester Lehman Wenger ‘36, who with his late wife Sara Jane Weaver ’42, shared a special Centennial Award at Eastern Mennonite University in 2017, died Oct. 1, 2020, at his residence at Landis Homes, Lititz, Pa.
When that award was created “to recognize persons who have defined the ethos of EMU in a sustained way for a lifetime,” the couple were unanimously selected by the committee. Read a profile here.
The Wengers “lived beautiful and rich lives of service, leadership and faith and their many contributions to the university and seminary have reflected our mission with consistent integrity and grace,” said President Susan Schultz Huxman. “We are so grateful for their legacy.”
The couple were staunch supporters of Eastern Mennonite Seminary, especially pastoral training opportunities such as the School for Leadership Training.* They also supported EMU’s several seminary students who are now actively ministering in Mennonite congregational and other ministering assignments.
“It has always been a delight for me to write thank-you letters to the Wengers with the good news of how their encouragement was enhancing the gifts of church leaders of the next generations,” said Nancy Heisey, seminary associate dean.
Their connection and devotion to EMU – a legacy that includes learning, supporting and leading – has spanned four generations, from Chester’s father, president emeritus AD Wenger, to Chester and Sara Jane’s children and grandchildren, many of whom have given, and continue to give, generously through their professional careers to the university and seminary.
Two Wenger grandchildren are current exemplars. Jason Good ‘05 is vice president of innovation and student recruitment. Ryan Good, a professor of applied social sciences, is co-director of the Washington Community Scholars’ Center, a program established by their father the late Nelson Good ‘68 (who was married to Betty Wenger Good-White ‘67).
The memorial service will be hosted by Blossom Hill Mennonite Church Sunday, Oct. 18, at 2 p.m. Visit www.blossomhillmennonite.org for the link. Condolences can be shared at https://www.thegroffs.com/obituaries/Chester-Wenger/. A private interment will be Saturday, Oct. 17. Read the full obituary.
Any comments to this remembrance will be shared with the family as well.
Original source can be found here.
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