Memorial service set Jan. 9 for Ronald Wenger

3 p.m., Jan. 3, 2014--A memorial service for Ronald Wenger, associate professor emeritus of mathematical sciences, will be held at 11 a.m., Thursday, Jan. 9, at the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Newark, 420 Willa Road, Newark. Prof. Wenger, of Newark, passed away peacefully at home on New Year’s Day, 2014, at the age of 76.

He was born in Trotwood, Ohio, on Nov. 30, 1937, and was the only son of the late Luella and Emmert Wenger. He earned his bachelor’s degree at Miami University in Oxford, Ohio, and his doctorate in mathematics from Michigan State University.

Prof. Wenger joined the University of Delaware as an assistant math professor in 1965. He served as associate dean of the College of Arts and Science from 1971 until 1994. In 1980, he created the Mathematical Sciences Teaching and Learning Center to help enhance the teaching and learning of mathematics through collaboration with teachers throughout the state of Delaware and it still operates today. He retired from the University after 40½ years in 2005.  

Prof. Wenger was a loving and active husband, father, and grandfather who enjoyed attending baseball, soccer, and basketball games. He helped instill the love of travel in his family, as he and Sherry traveled the world together visiting nearly 20 countries. 

Prior to his ALS diagnosis, he was an avid tennis player and classic guitar student. He will fondly be remembered for his giving spirit, as he was a longtime volunteer with Meals on Wheels and Delaware Hospice. He had a contagious sense of humor and he faced his illness with grace and courage.

The family would like to extend their thanks to the ALS Association Philadelphia Chapter, Dr. McClusky and his staff at the University of Pennsylvania, Delaware Hospice, Lori’s Hands, and the UD physical therapy students who helped him maintain his good spirits and independence, as well as the many friends and students who came to visit him.

Friends are invited to call from 5-7 p.m., Wednesday, Jan. 8, at the Spicer-Mullikin Funeral Home, 121 W. Park Place, Newark. Interment will be held at a later date in the Head of Christiana Cemetery, also in Newark.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions in Prof. Wenger’s name be sent to the ALS Association, 321 Norristown Road, Ste. 260, Ambler, PA 19002, or to Delaware Hospice, 16 Polly Drummond Center, 2nd Floor, Newark, DE 19711.