S. Kenneth Wengert Sr., 99, of Cornwall Manor and formerly a resident of Cleona for 63 years, took his last journey to his Heavenly home on Aug. 28, 2026. He was the husband of Charlotte L. (Shott) Wengert and would have celebrated their 79th wedding anniversary on Dec. 25.
Born in Lebanon on Jan. 11, 1927, he was the last surviving son of the late Samuel K. and Ada (Horst) Wengert. He was a graduate of Lebanon High School, class of 1945. In his senior year of high school, Ken enlisted and served in the U.S. Navy during WWII in the Pacific Theater. He was a proud combat veteran. After his return from the Navy, he finished high school, met his wife, attended Lebanon Valley College, got married, and had a large milk route with Wengert’s Dairy for several years.
He always wanted to start his own business. In 1969, he started a surplus and wholesale food business. In 1981, he established a successful building and remodeling business, which he owned until his retirement in 2010. Wengert’s Home Center celebrated its 45th anniversary this year, of which he was very proud. He was also a member of St. Mark’s United Church of Christ, Lebanon.
He enjoyed auctions, collecting milk bottles, convertibles, reading, and especially “sweet treats.” His motto was, “Life is short; eat dessert first.” He also enjoyed watching the “Gap” grow and visiting Memorial Lake. He and Charlotte moved to an apartment at Cornwall Manor in 2017, and he then moved to the Health Center in May 2025.
In addition to his wife, he is survived by his daughter, Victoria W., wife of Bruce Rhoads, of York; son, Samuel K. Wengert Jr., of Cleona; sister, Joan Hettinger, of Florida; grandchildren, Hilary (Chris) Magaro, Samuel K. (Lisa) Wengert III, Benjamin (partner, Dixie Santana) Wengert, and Isaac (fiancée, Natalie Boehmer) Wengert; and great-grandchildren, Michael and Ava Wengert, Olivia Magaro, Bentley and Daelan Wengert, and Harper Wengert. He loved his family very much and was blessed to see almost all of them in the few days before his death.
He was preceded in death by his grandson, Heath Rhoads; great-grandson, Jace Wengert; brothers, Harlan, Clifford, and John Wengert; and sisters, Louise White and Jane Sprecher.
A celebration of life service will be held at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 9, 2026, at the Kreamer & Lum Funeral Home & Crematory, Jonestown. There will be a visitation one hour prior to the service. Interment with military honors will be held at the convenience of the family at Indiantown Gap National Cemetery.
