LaVon Gene Wenger

LaVon Gene Wenger, 89, of Sabetha, Kansas, passed away on Sunday, December 29, 2024, surrounded by his family. 

LaVon was born on October 29, 1935, in Sabetha, Kansas, to Louis and Tillie (Strahm) Wenger. He grew up in Sabetha and graduated from Sabetha High School. After two years of studying engineering at Kansas State University, LaVon’s father asked him to return to Sabetha and help him with the family business. In 1955, LaVon and his cousin, Don, officially joined their fathers, Lou and Joe, at the Wenger Company. LaVon had inherited his father’s gift for mechanical invention. His lifelong career at Wenger Manufacturing began in the machine shop refining and innovating equipment. On August 14, 1955, LaVon married Erma Jean Strahm, and they were blessed with three children, Marc, Shari, and Brad.

LaVon was raised in the Apostolic Christian Church, where God provided him with a foundation and faith in Jesus Christ. LaVon was baptized on October 21, 2012, and professed his belief that salvation is in Christ alone, not in ourselves or in the things that we do. 

LaVon lived his entire life in Sabetha and cared deeply about the people of Sabetha and the surrounding communities. He was devoted to ensuring that all small towns, like Sabetha, continued to grow and flourish. Throughout his lifetime LaVon gave his time and talents to Sabetha in several ways. In 1983, after the position of mayor was vacated, LaVon was appointed to this office. Then, he was reelected and served in this position until 1989. He also served on the Sabetha Community Hospital Board of Directors from 1991 until his death, serving as President of this board for 22 years. 

LaVon was a visionary, unafraid to take risks in pursuit of a better future for the family business. As President and CEO of Wenger Manufacturing, his success wasn’t measured solely in achievements, but in the opportunities he created for those around him, ensuring they could dream bigger and aim higher. LaVon believed that the people Wenger employed were truly the reason for its success and he never missed an opportunity to point that out. 

LaVon had a deep passion for exploring the world, a journey he often shared with his wife, his family, and dear friends. From thrilling safaris in Africa, where he marveled at the untamed wildlife, to peaceful fishing trips on Scott Lake in Canada, LaVon cherished every adventure. And no matter how far his travels took him, his favorite place remained Amorugee, his farm in Goff, Kansas. For LaVon, traveling and hunting were more than pastimes-they were a way of life, fueling his adventurous spirit and creating lasting bonds and memories along the way. 

LaVon was preceded in death by his parents; his sister, Mary Lou Kellenberger; his brother-in-law, Larry Bailey; and his granddaughter, Libby LaVon Wenger.

LaVon is survived by his wife, Erma, at their home in Sabetha; his son, Marc (Julie) Wenger; his daughter, Shari (Dave) Eisenbise; his son, Brad (Pam) Wenger all of Sabetha; his nine grandchildren, Erica (Travis) Kellenberger, Maggi (Jason) Kaeb, Morgan (Ryan) Campbell, Maria (Jeff) Edelman, Emily (Lucas) Thompson, Will (Mariah) Eisenbise, Samuel Wenger, Claire (Brandon) Kempin, and Isaac (Ellie) Wenger; and his fourteen great-grandchildren, Crew and Kate Kellenberger, Kyson, Kendon, Tracen, and Taryn Kaeb, Lexi and Brooke Edelman, Remi and Ru Thompson, Boe, Ree, and Ret Eisenbise, Tillie Wenger, and baby girl, Kempin, arriving June 2025; his two sisters, Linda Bailey and Rose Ann (Steve) Knoblock; his brother-in-law, Danny Kellenberger; and his nieces and nephews. 

In August 2024, LaVon and Erma celebrated their 69th wedding anniversary, and throughout their marriage, LaVon loved her well. He also poured his heart into his grandchildren. Whether attending school events, teaching life lessons, telling stories, or simply offering a comforting presence, LaVon created countless memories that will be cherished forever. He made each grandchild feel uniquely special and deeply loved.

LaVon will lie in state on Thursday, January 2, 2025, from 8:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. at the Popkess Mortuary Chapel. LaVon will then be moved to the Apostolic Christian Fellowship Center in Sabetha for a visitation from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. 

LaVon’s funeral service will be held on Friday, January 3, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. at the Apostolic Christian Church in Sabetha. Following the service, the interment services will be for Lavon’s immediate family only. The interment will be made in the Apostolic Christian Church Cemetery in Sabetha. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to the Sabetha Community Hospital, the Apostolic Christian Home, and the Sabetha EMS, sent in care of the Popkess Mortuary, 823 Virginia Street, Sabetha, Kansas 66534.