Luke Denlinger Wenger

Luke D. Wenger of New Holland, PA died on Thursday, October 16, 2014, at the age of 77 after struggling with Parkinson’s disease for over 30 years. He was born in West Earl Township, Lancaster County PA on June 7, 1937 to the late Noah & Elma Wenger. He was married to Shirley (Glick) Wenger for 55 years.

From early childhood Luke had a keen and curious mind and often invented time saving devices to make work easier on the farm where he grew up. He fulfilled his military service obligation as 1-W, where he worked as an orderly at Lankenau Hospital in Philadelphia. During this time he decided to pursue a career in the medical field. He attended the School of Respiratory Therapy at University of PA. He was assistant department head at Yale Medical Center in New Haven, CT.

Luke organized and directed the first Respiratory Therapy Department in Lancaster County at what was then St. Joseph’s Hospital in Lancaster. He later started the School of Respiratory Therapy there. The school received accreditation from the American Medical Association in the summer of 1965, and was the 12th accredited school in the United States.

Luke organized the Central PA Chapter of the American Association of Inhalation Therapists and served as its first president. The chapter received its charter in 1965.

In 1967, with his brother-in-law R. Victor Glick, Luke invented a meter to measure the time oxygen was used for billing purposes. They received a patent for their first oxygen meter. They incorporated the company as Timeter Instrument Corporation. Luke later bought Victor’s shares of the company so Victor could attend medical school.

Luke was the owner and manager of Timeter Instrument Corporation in Lancaster for 21 years, which manufactured hospital equipment with international sales and employed 180 people. Their offices were situated on the Oregon Pike in what was an old chicken factory.

Because of Parkinson’s disease he sold the company to Allied Healthcare in St. Louis, MO, where the medical products continue to be manufactured.

Luke’s faith and love of Christ was important to him and directed his life. He was known as a man of fairness, integrity and dogged perseverance. Of his faith he says, “Faith is my foundation. I have leaned heavily on it as the seasons of my life have changed.”

He was an active member of East Chestnut Street Mennonite Church for over 50 years and was a dedicated Sunday school teacher. He taught a class called the Luke Wenger class. They continue to be a special support group. Luke was chairman of church council, was on stewardship committee, and sang in a men’s quartet. He was also a trustee of Lancaster Mennonite High School and was Board Secretary for 5 years.

He supported MEDA as a way to help small businesses in other countries to get a start helping them to become self sufficient.

He was a respected businessman and authored a book of memoirs of his life. He traveled with his family to many countries before his illness progressed. He enjoyed playing games with family and friends. He was an avid scrabble player. He loved having his children and ten grandchildren visit him. He wanted to pass on his faith to his family.

At the time of his death he lived at Garden Spot Village where he resided for 20 years. The family is grateful for Elsie Beiler and Malinda Fisher who were faithful caregivers during his last years as he became more disabled. He lived at Springwood in Garden Spot for the past 4 ½ years where he was loved and cared for by dedicated staff there. During the last week of his life, his children, grandchildren and close friends were by his side. He was cared for by AseraCare Hospice.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by 3 children, Cindy, married to Eric Birkness, of New Holland, Sherri, married to Eric Hartshaw, of Montoursville, and Randy, married to Tina Winzenried, of Lititz; 10 grandchildren, Yvonne Hartshaw, Jackie Birkness, Garrett Hartshaw, Ryan Birkness, Peter Wenger, Micah Wenger, Abby Wenger, Kimiye Wenger, Phoebe Wenger, and Alec Wenger, and one grandchild on the way.

He is survived by 5 brothers, Mervin Wenger, Arthur Wenger, Lloyd Wenger, Earl Wenger and Roy Wenger. He was preceded in death by his brother Elvin and his sister Miriam Heisey.

A memorial service will be held at East Chestnut Street Mennonite Church, 434 E. Chestnut St., Lancaster, on Sunday, Oct. 19 at 4 pm with visitation from 3 – 4 pm.

Burial will be at Groffdale Mennonite Cemetery at the convenience of the family.

A memorial service will also be held on Monday, Oct. 20 at 10:30 am at Garden Spot Village Chapel, 433 S. Kinzer Ave., New Holland.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to: Mennonite Economic Development Associates (MEDA) 1891 Santa Barbara Dr., Suite 201, Lancaster, PA 17601 or PA Family Institute, 24 North Front St, Harrisburg PA 17101. To send the family online condolences visit us at www.groffeckenroth.com. Arrangements by Groff-High Funeral Home, New Holland.