A funeral service for Jack Wenger, 72, Gregory, was held on Oct. 3 at St. John Lutheran, Gregory. Burial was at Olive Branch Cemetery in Mills, Neb.
Jack Allen Wenger was born Nov. 26, 1949, barely making it through the snowstorm to the hospital in Ainsworth, NE, to Norman and Lorraine (Donason) Wenger. Jack was baptized at Grace Lutheran Church in Burton, NE, and was later confirmed at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Jameson, NE.
Growing up on the north side of the Keya Paha River, Jack and his siblings went to the Mills District #3 School House. Jack rode his family horses, Silver King and Silver Queen; at times, he would even ice skate down the river to the Mills Bridge on his walk to school! He spent his summers putting up hay and participating in 4-H, actively involved with livestock.
Jack attended Gregory High School, graduating in 1968. Jack was selfless and musically talented; throughout school, he sang in high school choir, acted in a few plays, enjoyed playing football, and taught himself to play his guitar. Jack moved back home to the family farm in Mills, NE, after studying at Denver Automotive Technological College in Colorado, graduating in 1969, where he walked 10 miles to classes and work each day.
Jack farmed more than 20 years on the Donason Homestead where he began his love for farming and ranching, custom farming for neighbors and looking after his own successful dairy farm. Jack sustained a family with his wife, (the late) Gloria Stevicks, wed on March 11, 1972. To this union, three children were born: Jack (Jackson) Allen, Jr., Shelby Lynn, and Jerrod Norman.
While Jack was on the family farm, he and his brothers, Mark and (the late) Steve, played fast pitch softball for their community team, 4-Corners, with surrounding neighbors in the area. Jack excelled at being one of the top fast pitchers in the region. Being a well-known softball pitcher, Jack was frequently asked to play for other teams.
In the early 90’s, Jack worked alongside his brother, Mark, for a bit before moving to Gregory, SD, working as an associate at Runnings before working for the City of Gregory, going on some 18 years. During this time, Jack married Valerie Kolbe on July 3, 1999. They welcomed two daughters: Lindsey Nicole and Haley Rae.
Jack was a loving father, proud family member, caring friend, and active community member. He was known as someone you could count on, a man who was humble, faithful, honest, and hardworking. His outgoing character could bring a joyful smile to your face.
He continued his love for sports playing slow pitch softball for the Carlock Coons. Jack was a passionate bowler, accomplishing a 300 game and attending many national tournaments with his buddies. Jack enjoyed many years playing league golf in Gregory and Burke with his many friends and family. He also played baseball for the Gregory Town Team, was an avid fan of all Nebraska Huskers, enjoyed fishing, gardening, and completing puzzles alongside his many years as a baseball, softball, and t-ball umpire.
Jack served as a Gregory volunteer fire fighter for 15 years, and he was a football and basketball referee for several years before reaching (semi) retirement. Jack had just bought a fishing boat, looking forward to connecting back to his roots, of fishing with his friends and family, most especially his Uncle George and his future son-in-law, Israel.
Jack was diagnosed with prostate cancer in February of 2021. He had just completed his nine-week journey of radiation treatment in Sioux Falls, SD, on Aug. 16. Throughout his treatment, he did his best to stay positive and be active in the lives of his children; he was abundantly appreciative of the wonderful staff, nurses, and doctors who aided in his treatment process.
Jack Wenger passed away unexpectedly on Sept. 27 while in Sioux Falls at the age of 72. He is dearly missed by all those he touched, and his legacy lives on throughout his family.
Jack was preceded in death by his parents, sister Debra Lauer, brother Stephen Wenger, nephew Scott Wenger, aunt Arlene Kuechler, and dearly missed furry friend, Carter.
He is survived by three daughters: Shelby and Allan Bertram of Sioux Falls, SD; Lindsey Wenger and Israel Perez of Sioux Falls, SD; Haley Wenger and Dylan Borszich of Aberdeen, SD; two sons: Jackson and LeAnn Wenger of Rapid City, SD; and Jerrod and Cassidy Wenger of Rapid City, SD; ten grandchildren; one great-grandchild; one sister, Judy and Mark Moebeck of Webster Groves, MO; one brother, Mark and Teresa Wenger of Mills, NE; a sister-in-law, Kathy Wenger of Mills, NE; one uncle, George Wenger of Gregory; a number of nieces, nephews, and cousins; a countless number of friends, and his beloved puppy, Panda.
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