Richard James Wenger age 69 of Fairbank passed away Tuesday, March 4, 2025 from injuries he sustained in a truck accident near Marshalltown. Rich was born December 8th, 1955 in Oelwein the son of Duane and Marion (Buchholz) Wenger. He grew up on the family farm just north of Fairbank. Rich attended and graduated from Wapsie Valley Community Schools Class of 1974. He married Ruth Vandersee on June 2nd 1979 at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Maynard. Rich began his truck driving career at Oran Ag Services hauling mostly grain from the elevator and for area farmers. His next truck driving job was at Renard & Seegers who had several John Deere dealerships in northeast Iowa, hauling all different types of farm machinery. He dedicated the rest of his working days there, which included three different owners during his time there. He truly loved what he did and enjoyed all the people he met along the way, especially the customers he delivered equipment to. When he wasn’t working his day job he could be found working in his very organized shop on most anything he could get in the door. Whether it be woodworking or tinkering on a lawnmower he loved working with his hands. He will be missed in the neighborhood as he was the go to guy for most any project. Rich also could be found helping Ruth occasionally with some of her countless projects or maybe just chasing each other around town on bicycles. Rich loved anything to do with trucks, he made many trips to the Mid-American Truck Show which is held annually in Louisville, Kentucky. He enjoyed playing cards and many different board games and he didn’t even mind playing an occasional game of Pickleball.

Survived by: his wife of 45 years, Ruth, a daughter, Lisa (Jeremy) Bro, two brothers; Kenny Wenger and Bob (Mavis) Wenger, his mother-in-law, Gwen Vandersee, four sisters-in-law; Karolyn Wenger, Vivian Wenger, Barb (Dale) Lowe and Elaine Gallagher, one brother-in-law, Paul Vandersee along with many nieces and nephews.

Preceded in death by: his parents, two brothers; Steve and Roger Wenger, his father-in-law, Laverne Vandersee, two brothers-in-law; Mike Gallagher and Vernon Vandersee.

Visitation: 9:00-11:00 am Tuesday, March 11, 2025 at Woods Funeral Home

Funeral Service: 11:00 am Tuesday, March 11, 2025 at Woods Funeral Home.

Interment: Fairbank Cemetery

Lunch will be served at the Immaculate Conception Parish Center in Fairbank following the service.

Memorials may be directed to the family for later designation.