Arnold R Wenger

ARNOLD RALPH "Arnie" WENGER August 4, 1931 - December 1, 2014 Arnold Ralph "Arnie" Wenger, age 83 of Park Rapids, MN unexpectedly went to be with his Lord Jesus after suffering a brain aneurism in the early morning hours of Monday, December 1, 2014 with his wife at his side at the St. Joseph's Hospital in Park Rapids. Arnie was born on August 4, 1931 in Ada, MN to the Rev. Arnold and Thekla (Dierks) Wenger. As a small boy he moved with his family to Lakefield, MN where he attended parochial school through the tenth grade. His father accepted a call to a church in Duluth where Arnie completed high school, graduating from Denfeld High School with the Class of 1949. As a young man, Arnie studied shoe repair and in the early 1950's opened his own repair shop in Edina, MN. A short time later, Arnie opened a repair shop in Park Rapids and continued repairing and selling shoes in a career that spanned over 40 years. Arnie's life was made full and complete in his marriage to his soul mate, Nicole "Nikki" Dwire on February 18, 1962. Arnie was a man of faith who was deeply involved in his church, St. John's Lutheran in Park Rapids. He loved his church family who all were an important and wonderful part of his life. Arnie was passionate about the out doors. Over the past 50 years, Arnie has planted tens of thousands of trees. He took special pride in nurturing and shaping many beautiful Christmas trees. He enjoyed building trails throughout his tree farm for walking and cross-country skiing. Arnie enjoyed tinkering and repairing all kinds of small engines. Above all, Arnie devoted his life to his Lord and Savior and his precious wife, Nikki. He will be lovingly remembered by his wife for these past 53 years, Nicole "Nikki" of Park Rapids; his two sisters: Lois Pera of Milwaukee, WI and Sylvia (the Rev. Dr. Alvin) Franzmeier of Spring, Texas; six dearly loved nieces and nephews; as well as many friends. Arnie was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, David who died in infancy and one brother-in-law, the Reverend Victor Pera. Memorial services will be held 11 AM Friday, December 5, 2014 at St. Johns Lutheran Church in Park Rapids with the Rev. James Neubauer and the Rev. Timothy Heinecke officiating. The organist will be Sarah Kaufenberg. The soloist will be Michael Poole who will sing, "The Lord's Prayer". Congregational hymns will be: "What A Friend We Have In Jesus", "Blest Be The Tie That Binds", "What Child Is This" and "Joy Above, All Earth's Rejoicing". Burial will be made in the Henrietta Cemetery east of Park Rapids, at a later date. Visitation will be held beginning one hour prior to the service. Following the service, a luncheon will be hosted by St. John's Lutheran Church. To view the video tribute or to leave on line condolences please visit www.jonespearson.com.