John Wingenbach
1946-2015
John passed peacefully on Sunday, September 13, 2015, ending his 7-month battle with a glioblastoma. Born in June 1946 in "the projects" of Buffalo, NY with five other siblings (1 brother, 4 sisters). He served in the US Army in Vietnam from 1966-68. Returning from the war, he married the lovely Diane Wingenbach in January 1970. Juliet and Neal were born in 1970 and 1973, respectively, as John excelled in his career in printing. The family relocated to Houston, TX in 1978 where found great friends, work, enjoying the outdoors and the rodeo culture. He was a lifetime committee member for the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo. In his retirement, he volunteered for CASA.
He is survived by his wife, Diane, who he was married to for 45 years. They plan to reunite in the Heavens someday.
Also surviving: his daughter Juliet, his son Neal, his granddaughter, Marley, and his grandson, Carson. His sisters Mary Lynn, Kathryn, and Carol. He was preceded in death by his parents, his sister Patricia Winkley, and his brother Philip.
His funeral will be at 11AM this Friday, September 18, at St Mary's Church in Plantersville. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that any donations be made to Montgomery County CASA (casaspeaks4kids.com) or the National Brain Tumor Society (braintumor.org).
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Barbara Hauenstein (Rose)
You'll be missed, John. From our days at Kenmore Jr through high school we had some fun times. It was wonderful getting re-aquainted while planning the reunion. Your many emails to me always made me laugh! Rest in Peace, friend.
Eugenia Brown (McAlexander)
John & I had many classes together & grew up in the same neighborhood. Seemed to be a little on the quiet side. I remember going ice skating with my friends at Sheridan Park & running into John. It was very cold and there was ice on top of the snow. He suggested we skate down the hill. We did that. Fortunately we didn't kill ourselves or fall into the creek.
sounds like John had a wonderful life and a loving family. I am glad to know that & sorry to hear of his passing.
Cheryl Link (Johnson)
Knew John since 7th grade, Kenmore Junior High. Very nice guy and I was looking forward to seeing him at the reunion. Unfortunately he could not make it. On the website soon after his diagnosis he sent me a comment on my page saying he hoped to see us at the reunion. Prayed for a miracle but not to be. I was friends also with his wife Diane Finch Wingenbach, who was such a nice person. We kept in touch through Facebook during their horrible and sad situation. RIP John and love to his family.
Cheryl Link
Gloria Pendergast (Peters)
So sorry to hear today of Johns passing. We have lost so many of our dear classmates - it is so sad. Growing up in the same area and going to the same spots such as Brinson's, Sheridan Park ice skating and sleding, we were bound to run into classmates. We would then laugh about the crazy things we did.
Rest in Peace John. Prayers going out to his family.
Paul Santa Maria
John was a life long friend and will be missed by all! Many great times together...since KJHS (junior high)My love and prayers go out to Diane and John's Family! May my good friend rest in peace! God Bless!
Paul
Mary Sue Sabia (Klaiber)
John was a very nice young man, always had nice conversations with him. Prayers to his family, May his soul rest in peace.
Lorraine Kanoza
God Bless you sweet John. Thank you for serving our Country.
Larry Reid
I knew John when we both went to Sheridan Parkside. We lost touch when I moved to Tonawanda and went to TJHS for 7 & 8th grade. I would see him some when I moved back and went to KJH and KWH. Sorry to hear the news of his passing. So many from West have gone.
Barbara Nicosia (Zinsmeister)
prayers to the family and John rest in peace. thanks for all your efforts with the reunion. God Bless