John Charles Wenk's Obituary
Mr. John Charles Wenk, age 83, passed away Wednesday, September 22, 2010. John was born in Muskegon on October 22, 1926 to John and Josephine (Cooper) Wenk. After graduating from high school, he served his country in the U. S. Army during WWII in the South Pacific. On July 30, 1948 John married the former Marilyn E. Todd and she survives him. John was a graduate of the F.B.I. Academy and became Chief of Police for the City of Muskegon where he served for 32 years prior to his retirement. He was a member of the F.B.I. National Academy, the International Association of the Chiefs of Police, Fraternal Order of Police, and Vikings Linne Lodge #57. John was also a member of the Lakeside United Methodist Church. John served 6 years as a City of Muskegon Commissioner and was involved in the planning and beginning of the Muskegon Waste Water System. He was the recipient of the Muskegon County Law Award. John also enjoyed woodworking and was an avid fisherman. Along with Marilyn, his wife of 62 years, John is survived by 2 children, Steven A. (Rebecca) Wenk of North Muskegon and Linda A. (Thomas) Achterhoff of Norton Shores; 3 grandchildren, Grace Wenk, John Wenk, and Marni Achterhoff; 2 brothers, Richard Wenk and Gene (Carol) Wenk, all of Muskegon; 4 sisters, Anna Lee (Richard) MacNab of Sebastian FL, Hazel Leiter of Norton Shores, Wilma Olson of Grand Haven, and Dorothy (Harry) Weller of Grand Rapids; and many nieces and nephews. John was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Peter Wenk. A MEMORIAL SERVICE will be held 1PM Saturday, September 25, 2010 at the Lakeside United Methodist Church (2160 Crozier) with Rev. Steve Weinbarger officiating and Military Rites. VISITATION will be from 6-8 PM Friday at The Walburn Chapel, Sytsema Funeral Homes, Inc. 1547 W. Sherman Blvd 1-231-759-8565. MEMORIAL CONTRIBUTIONS may be made to Lakeside United Methodist Church or the Viking Linne Lodge #57 Scholarship Fund. Share memories with the family at their on-line guest book @ www.sytsemafh.com.
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