Dayton Wayne Wenger

Dayton Wayne Wenger, 95, of Elkhart, died on Tuesday, September 12, 2017 at Hubbard Hill Estates.

Dayton was born on April 14, 1922 at home in Jimtown (in the house that is now the Jimtown Historical Museum) to the late Herman and Bessie (Frederick) Wenger.  Also preceding him in death are three brothers, Warren, Larry and Ron Wenger, one sister, Phyllis Smith and one grandson, Jeff Kling.

On May 5, 1943, he married Thelma Kauffman in Elkhart.  Thelma survives along with two daughters; Pamela (Gary) Kling of Elkhart and Candace (Ron) Minichillo of Bristol; three grandsons; Tim (Jennifer) Weaver, Todd (Michele) Weaver and David (Donna) Kling, granddaughter-in-law, Traci Kling; eleven great-grandchildren; Dustin (Sara) Kling, Courtney (Joel) Chrobak, Jordan (Rebecca) Kling, Kyle Kling and his fiancé Ann, Dr. Kendall Kling, Jenna Early, Natalie Weaver, Alec Weaver, Mackenzie Weaver and Madison Weaver, one great great grandson, Jeffrey A. Kling, due in October and one sister, Lorna (Dale) Schwalm.

Dayton was employed for many years at Uniroyal in Mishawaka as manager of the Pilot Plant.  He also worked at IOSHA as a compliance inspector and BUSET consultant. 

Dayton graduated from Jimtown High School in 1940 and was a member of Central Christian Church in Elkhart where he served as Elder Emeritus, a deacon, an usher, a board member, a trustee and Sunday school teacher.  He also served in the U. S. Army with the 141st Field Artillery in France, Luxembourg and Germany during World War II.  He also enjoyed fishing, bowling, golf and ballroom dancing.  His greatest joy was maintaining the home and yard he and his wife built in 1957.

Visitation for Dayton will be held on Sunday, September 17th, 2017 from 3 until 7 at the Hartzler-Gutermuth-Inman Funeral Home.  Funeral services will be held on at 11 a.m. on Monday, September 18th at Central Christian Church in Elkhart with the Rev. Dr. Douglas Cripe officiating.  Burial with full military honors will be in Olive Cemetery.

Memorial contributions in memory of Dayton may be made to Central Christian Church 418 W. Franklin St. Elkhart, In 46516 or to Center for Hospice Care 501 Comfort Place Mishawaka, IN 46545.

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