Barbara Wenger
December 20, 1935 ~ June 25, 2024
Born in:
Chicago, Illinois
Resided in:
Fargo, North Dakota
Barbara Jane Wenger peacefully passed away on Tuesday, June 25th, at Sanford Hospital after battling chronic kidney disease. She was 88.
Barb was born on December 20, 1935, in Chicago, IL, to Tom and Flo (Scott) Kelly. When she was six, her family relocated to Fargo, ND. She received her education at Sacred Heart Academy and graduated from Shanley High School in 1953.
After graduation, she began working at Store Without A Name in downtown Fargo and at the Edgewood Golf Course lunch counter with her mother, Flo. There, she met Fred, the love of her life. They married on September 6, 1958, at Holy Spirit Catholic Church. Fred passed away last August, just a few days short of their 65th wedding anniversary.
Barb and Fred were blessed with four children. As an only child, she was proud that she could stay at home with them and surround herself with the large family she always wanted. When all her children were in school, she worked as a bookkeeper for her dad’s business, Kelly Appliances, and took over the company when he passed away in 1978.
Golf was always a big part of her life, and Fred and Barb were still golfing into their 80s. Barb thought it was special that they lived near Edgewood Golf Course and then moved into Edgewood Vista Assisted Living a year ago. Edgewood was always a part of her life.
Barb would tell you that she lived a boring life, but her family would beg to differ. She was a cheerleader for everyone. Barb was known for her fun-loving spirit and compassionate heart. She delighted in spending time with family and friends. She had a passion for bingo, casinos, shopping for new outfits, and winters in Arizona after retiring. She was an avid fan of the NDSU Bison, Minnesota Vikings, and Patrick Mahomes of the Kansas City Chiefs.
Barb is survived by her daughter Laurie (Jim) Reichel; their children Sarah (Chris) Savrnoch, Tom (Taylor) Reichel, and Danny Reichel; son Scott (Kathy) Wenger; their children Nick Wenger and Ben (fiancé Emily) Wenger; and son Brian (Kimberly) Wenger; their children Andrew Wenger and Hailey Wenger. She also leaves behind her great-grandchildren, Oliver and Cooper Reichel.
Barb was preceded in death by her husband Fred, daughter Shari, granddaughter Anna, her parents, and her in-laws, Fred and Hazel Wenger.
Services
Visitation - Tuesday: July 2, 2024 9:00 am
Boulger Funeral Home and Celebration of Life Center
123 10th Street S.
Fargo, North Dakota 58103
701-237-6441
www.boulgerfuneralhome.com
Memorial Service - Tuesday: July 2, 2024 10:00 am
Boulger Funeral Home and Celebration of Life Center
123 10th Street S.
Fargo, North Dakota 58103
701-237-6441
www.boulgerfuneralhome.com
Burial - Tuesday: July 2, 2024 1:00 pm
Fargo National Cemetery
8709 40th Avenue North, Co Rd 20
Harwood, North Dakota 58042
(701) 451-4650
https://www.cem.va.gov/cems/nchp/fargo.asp
View current weather.
Memories Timeline
Guestbook
Sign the Guestbook, Light a Candle
Melinda Walker
Barbara Anton
To all of Barb’s family,
So sorry to hear your Mom passed away. It is ironic that I thought about Barb a couple times this past week. I was thinking about calling her. I don’t know if she had been ill. Life was not the same for her after your dad died.
I have fond memories of the Paper Tiger days. I think our first craft show in Fargo was the beginning of the annual Street Fair. Barb and Fred went on to great things and lots of fun selling things they made together. Barb will be missed.
I am so sorry for your loss. I will be saying prayers for all of you.
I was so surprised that Barb went to the hospital and her passing. Barb was such a delight when she was waiting for the bus, we would reminisce at my front desk. I thoroughly enjoyed visiting and talking with her while she was here at Edgewood. She will be missed greatly.
So sorry to learn about Barb’s passing. She was a good friend to my mother, Dorothy Duchschere, since grade school at St. Mary’s. We got to know Barb and Fred well over the years, and always enjoyed lunching with Barb and Mom when they took the bus for the day to shop at the Mall of America. She was such great fun! Sincerest condolences to Barb’s family members and her many friends.