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In memory of

David James Wengender

Heath, TX, USA
December 29, 1965 - October 24, 2020
Dec 29, 1965 - Oct 24, 2020
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I was a classmate of Dave's at Cardinal Mooney. I happened to be going through a drawer last night and found a folder of high school stuff my mom kept, which included a program from graduation that I hadn't seen in 35 years. Looking for a minute or so at the names, for some reason I locked onto Dave's name and wondered "whatever happened to Dave?" and Googled him. Of course I was shocked and saddened to see of his passing just a few weeks ago. What led me to find that folder at this time and choose his name out of 300+ classmates to search, I'll never know.
Dave was very memorable in high school. He definitely had a "rebel" personality...wore a leather jacket and black motorcycle boots (think Brando in "The Wild One") with long , shoulder-length black hair. We had to wear a tie and dress shirt and slacks every day, but Dave usually had his necktie comically short (maybe 6' long, down to mid-chest), short enough to not conform, but just long enough that the nuns wouldn't call him out on it. “Too cool for school” but not arrogant, had friends but not in any on the "cliques" that I recall. Had plenty of swagger in his stride and looked the part of the "bad boy", but I don't recall him ever actually getting in any real trouble despite the pretty strict discipline at Mooney. I think he was smart enough to not get caught ;-)
I think most of my classmates would agree that even though he wasn't at the top of the class academically, Dave was the smartest kid in our class of 320 students. He won a National Merit Scholarship, which meant he had scored in the top 1% on the PSAT. Nowadays, kids do hours of prep courses for test like that. I'm pretty sure he took that test cold.
School was almost comically easy for him. I can remember one day in AP Chemistry, Dave fell asleep in class. When most of us fell asleep, we tried to fight it, or at least hide it. Not Dave. He crossed his arms on his desk, laid his head down on them, and WENT TO SLEEP. Ms. Klein was going over electron valence, and had drawn the various rings with electrons for an element. She saw that Dave was asleep, so called on him to let him know that she was not pleased with him, asking him how many valence electrons it had. He wakes up, looks at the drawing on the blackboard, and within a few seconds tells her that she'd made a mistake...when he quickly added up the electrons in the rings in his head they added up to an odd number, but the element had an even atomic number, so there was an electron missing. Something none of the other 30 AP students who were awake, paying attention, and taking notes, had noticed! She looks back, realizes he's right, and makes the correction. He promptly gave he the correct answer about how many valence electrons it had, puts his head down, and goes back to sleep.
She never called on him again!
I'm so glad to hear that our class rebel settled down and had such a lovely family and community of friends, but so very sad to hear of his untimely passing. My best wishes and condolences to you during this difficult time.
If you don't have a copy of his yearbook pictures but would like them, I could get them next time I'm back in Rochester, hopefully this spring. I recall at least 1-2 photos of Dave in there besides the standard mug shot. You can text or call me if you're interested.
Sincerely,
Thomas Minor
303-875-9009
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I was so sorry to hear this sad news. I worked with David way back when at RHI and enjoyed networking with him over the years. What stands out in my mind is his drive, his smile, and his wry sense of humor. Sending my deepest sympathy to his wife and family.
-Jodi Hrbek
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I just heard about David’s passing and am heartbroken. I can’t even imagine the loss your family is feeling. David was such a huge personality with a kind heart. He and I worked together at RHMR and remained friends. We kept in touch every couple of months and I always looked forward to our conversations. David had a way of telling me what I needed to hear - not what I wanted to hear. He was tactful, but let me know if my ideas were off the wall. You will be sorely missed Wingdinger. My sincerest condolences to his wife and children. The world lost a good one. 😢
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I didn’t have the opportunity to meet David in person but knowing Tina he had to be a wonderful person because he has an incredible wife and family. It’s unimaginable how you all are feeling and I can’t begin to know . I do know allow GOD, your faith, family and friends to surround you , help guide and love you thru this difficult time. We are all here for you sweet Tina. You and your family are in my prayers .
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David had a huge heart and a huge personality. When I picture him , I see that big smile and hear that welcoming northern (aka Yankee) resounding hello! He always made us feel as though we were his favorite people, when in all actuality, that was his gift to whomever was around at that given moment.

David was a 2nd dad to my daughter MacKenzie. He helped raise her and loved her as if she was his own. For that alone, we Stricklins were truly blessed.

RIP David You will be greatly missed and forever cherished.
P.S. Enjoy that front row seat to the Steelers.
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When I think of David Wengender I remember a distinct conversation outside the garage of my parents house back on Timberline Dr. I had walked outside to see what Mrs. Maggie and Mr. David were doing and I wanted to hang out with them (I was maybe 12 or 13). Mr. David and Mrs. Maggie were laughing and telling stories and I remember Mr. David pulling me in for a side hug while he said, “I’m so proud of you girls. Y’all have grown up on this wonderful street together and y’all will be best friends forever. You’re going to do amazing things, don’t you forget that. Any of you!!” I nodded my head and waddled back inside to probably find some m&ms. I remember that day like it was yesterday. Words of true and genuine kindness were not a rarity for Mr. David, he said them often and said them intentionally. He left an impact on my life with his words and I’ll cherish them forever.
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Photo before our 70’s party!!
Photo before our 70’s party!!
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Dinner in gulf shores
Dinner in gulf shores
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My second family on beach tri…
Gulf Shores, AL, USA
My second family on beach trip❤️
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My parents and I on Parent’s …
2020, Norman, OK, USA
My parents and I on Parent’s Weekend at OU
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The whole family on Cole’s bi…
2017
The whole family on Cole’s birthday
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My dad and I at the beach
2017, Gulf Shores, AL, USA
My dad and I at the beach
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Recent contributions

$100.00
Thomas Minor
$100.00
Richard Young
$150.00
Kristi & Rick Shipley
See all contributionsRight arrow
Helping hands

In lieu of flowers

Please consider a donation to Wengender Memorial Fund.
$3,275.00
total raised
Learn more & giveRight arrow

Recent contributions

$100.00
Thomas Minor
$100.00
Richard Young
$150.00
Kristi & Rick Shipley
See all contributionsRight arrow

Recent contributions

$100.00
Thomas Minor
$100.00
Richard Young
$150.00
Kristi & Rick Shipley
See all contributionsRight arrow
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Created with love by Kristi Severn (David's friend).
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