Gerald Wenditz

Gerald Eugene “Jerry” Wenditz, 91, of Doe Hill, passed away Tuesday, March 7, 2023 at The Retreat in Fishersville.

He was born June 13, 1931 in Lancaster, Pa., a son of the late Charles Albert and Grace May (Metzler) Wenditz. On December 9, 1955, he married Freda Madeline Corvin, who preceded him in death October 23, 2013.

Jerry served in the U.S. Navy for four years during the Korean Conflict, rising to rank of Second-Class Petty Officer before being honorably discharged. He worked for Phillip Morris for over thirty years, retiring as a machinist within the Research and Development Department. He enjoyed his work and considered his job as being “the best job in all of Virginia.” A proud veteran, Jerry was a member of the American Legion where he served as District and Department Commander. Within the Legion he served on the committee for the Vietnam Traveling Wall when it traveled to Richmond and he helped to organize Richmond’s “Welcome Back” for Desert Storm veterans. Jerry received the 1993 Governor’s Award for Excellence in Volunteering, was a charter member of the Citizens Flag Alliance of Virginia and was also a member of the Navy League.

Jerry was a member of the former Lutheran Church of Our Savior, where he served on the church council for three years. He also attended McKendree United Methodist Church. He was very proud of his family, who were “his world” and very important to him. He was also very proud of his hometown of Lancaster, Pa. Jerry loved life and never met a stranger. Above all, he will be remembered as a loving husband, father and grandfather.

In addition to his parents and wife, he was predeceased by his siblings, Betty Kroft, Kathryn Benny, Dorothy Roth, Nancy Weaver, and Richard, Kenneth, William, Donald, Charles and Robert Wenditz.

He is survived by his daughter, Sharon W. Sponaugle and husband, Harry; granddaughter, Laci Neil and husband, Scottie; as well as great-grandchildren, Peyton and Trevor Neil, all of Doe Hill; and numerous nieces and nephews.

A funeral service will be held 2 p.m., Tuesday, March 14, 2023 at Obaugh Funeral Home with pastor Hannah Lee officiating. Burial will follow in Blue Grass Cemetery.

Active pallbearers will be Scottie Neil, James, Michael and Matt Sponaugle, Don Mogel, Tom Donahue, David Hartbarger and Michael Andrews.

The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the funeral home.

Memorial contributions may be sent to McKendree United Methodist Church, c/o treasurer, 106 Siron’s Mill Road, Doe Hill, Va. 24433 or to Blue Grass Cemetery, 3042 Blue Grass Valley Road, Blue Grass, Va. 24413.