Joel L Wenger, 95, of Greencastle, PA went to be with his Lord and Savior on Sunday, January 11, 2026 at the Presbyterian Senior Living Quincy Village, Quincy, PA. He had been in declining health since 2022.
Born November 11, 1930, in Chambersburg, PA, he was the son of the late Milton R and Alma (Byers) Wenger. The family moved from Chambersburg, PA to the Greencastle, PA home place in 1941. Joel attended the Clayhill School, Chambersburg, PA through the 6th grade. The rest of his schooling was by example at his father’s side on the farm or from his siblings.
Joel and his wife, the late Wilma Jean (Stockslager) Wenger, were married November 17, 1951, on the home place in Greencastle, PA. They were blessed with 56 years of marriage together before Mrs. Wenger passed away February 17, 2008. They started their married life living close to the home place, but in 1963 when Joel bought his father’s farm, they returned to Hades Church Road. In 1972 they bought the neighboring farm and lived there the remainder of their lives.
Joel was a self-employed dairy farmer, a generous man, and had a passion for farming his entire life. Venturing out on his own in 1955, the farm was known as the Weng-Lea Holstein Farm. Later in life, his sons joined in Partnership with him and presently, it has transitioned to a third-generation relationship. In addition to dairy, Joel raised turkeys for the holiday seasons for many in the community. He also did custom combining for area farmers. Deeply committed to agriculture and his community, he was a member of the Franklin County Farm Bureau for nine years, including being Chairman for three of those years. He also served on the Board of Directors of Agway in Syracuse NY – Northeastern Agricultural Division from 1987 until 2002. For an awarded 42 years of service, he contributed his time and expertise to the Antrim Township Planning Commission. He also placed his purchased farmland in Land Preservation.
Joel was a devoted member of the Five Forks Brethren In Christ Church, Waynesboro, PA where he served faithfully in various positions within the church as well as in the leadership boards. He enjoyed singing and was the baritone voice in the Five Forks Male Quartet and also The Gospel Tide Radio Choir.
Joel, although in retirement from dairy, continued to crop farm, planted flower and vegetable gardens – doing his own canning, and as a hobby refurbished his old tractors and his 1946 GMC farm truck. He attended numerous Truck shows and winning various awards but mostly making many friendships and staying in touch with the community.
Joel is survived by his four children, Marlin L (Michelle) Wenger, Pinckney, MI; Larson D (Marlene) Wenger, Greencastle, PA; Jody A Hartman and Darwin M Wenger, Greencastle, PA. Seven grandchildren, Matthew (Debra) Wenger, Fairlawn, OH; Anthony Wenger, Maricopa, AZ; Paul May, Pinckney, MI; Michael (Leslie) May, Dearborn, MI; Justin (Joann) Wenger, Harrisburg, PA; Jared (Michelle) Wenger, Greencastle, PA; Janelle (Brett) Bauer, Lancaster, PA. 12 Great-grandchildren, and 1 Great-great grandchild. His siblings: Margaret Lesher, Mechanicsburg, PA; Gladys (Eugene) Gorman, Quincy, PA; and Ray (Pauline) Wenger, Chambersburg, PA; Sister-in-law Joan Wenger, Chicago, IL and Brother-in-law Luke Horst, Maugansville, MD.; and numerous nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents and wife, he was preceded in death by his siblings, Alfred (Sylvia) Wenger, Abbey (Delmar) Oswald, Ralph (Ruth) Wenger, Sarah (David) Boppe, Doris Horst, James Lesher Brother-in-law.
Funeral Services will be held at 2PM, Thursday, January 22, 2026, in the Five Forks Brethren in Christ Church Auditorium, 9244 Five Forks Road, Waynesboro, PA with Pastors Ray Kipe and Brian Black officiating. Burial will follow in the Brown’s Mill Cemetery, Antrim Township, PA. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the services Thursday afternoon in the church.
In lieu of flowers, Contributions may be given to Five Forks BIC Church, 9244 Five Forks Road, Waynesboro, PA 17268 or to a Charity of their choice in Joel’s honor.
The Wenger family wishes to extend gratitude to the Nursing Staff on the Douglas Hess I Personal Care Unit and the Wheeler I Skilled Care Unit for their faithful care and kindness during their Father’s stay at Quincy Village the past three years. Even for the Receptionists who manned the alarm system when he came too close to the doors. Thank You for being there for us. It is greatly appreciated!
