Donald “Don” Edward Wenger

Donald “Don” Edward Wenger

San Marcos, California

Donald “Don” Edward Wenger, age 77, from San Marcos, CA passed away Sunday morning, March 10, 2024. Don was born to Clarence and Dorothy Wenger at Washington, Iowa hospital on October 6, 1946, and grew up on a 280-acre family farm in rural Wayland, Iowa. He was taught the good work ethic by his parents, working together as family and was surrounded with unconditional love. He gave his life to the Lord at age 14 and walked with Him all of his life. Don met his lifetime sweetheart, Candace “Candy” Renee Luse, as a teenager and knew at once that she was the one for him. They were married in Iowa City, IA on October 13, 1968 and were excited to start a family. Children born to them are son Shane (Cori) Wenger, Kalona, IA, son Greg (Kimberly) Wenger, San Marcos, CA and daughter, Erica (Scott) Poore, Kearney, MO. Grandchildren are Mitchell Wenger, San Marcos, CA, Chelsea (Farris) Suleiman, Wahiawa, HI, Destonee VanBoening, Maryville, MO, Dylan (Destiny) DeOrnellis, Polo, MO, Donny (Elizabeth) DeOrnellis, Polo MO, Deijah Poore, El Dorado, KS, Delayne Boyd, Dalton and Dakota Poore, Kearney, MO, Danan Wenger, Washington, IA and Kyrra (Titeus) Miller, Washington, IA. Great-grandchildren are Olive and Zayn Suleiman, Levi Wenger, Cole, Jaden and Sarah Miller, Oaklee, Greyson and Evelynn VanBoening, Delilah Poore and Charlotte DeOrnellis. His beloved chihuahua, Aspen, joined their family November 29, 2017.

Don’s loving wife of 55 years, Candy, and his pride and joy, Aspen, will miss him dearly. Along with his loving mother, Dorothy Wenger, Wayland, IA, sisters and brothers-in-law, Carol (Eddie) Miller, Kalona, IA, Jane (Gary) DeYarman, Poway, CA, Darla (Gene) Messer and Susan (Mark) Yutzy, Wayland, IA and many nieces and nephews.

Don worked in the Heating and Air Conditioning business all of his life, starting in Iowa City, IA, then Unionville, MO, working for Putnam Co. School District and building his own business after hours and weekends. When his arthritis was causing him much pain, the family decided to move to a warmer climate, Poway, CA in 1988, where he worked for Action Air Conditioning and building his own side business. Always taking care of his family and people; helping them out. In 1991, he started working for the Poway Unified School District in HVAC and enjoyed his work. He still worked on the side having built quite a business on referrals alone. Never once had to advertise. And my, how hard he worked for many! He was respected by all because of the man he was.

Don was preceded in death by his infant brother, Roger Lee Wenger, his daughter-in-law, Christy Wenger and his father, Clarence Wenger.

Memorials may be given, in lieu of flowers, to your local church or charity in his name. Service for Don will be at 3 pm on Saturday, March 16, 2024 at Magallon Chapel, 1421 N. Sante Fe Avenue, Vista, CA.

Obituary may be found on www.silverliningcremations.com