John Wenning

MADISON-John Wenning, 81, passed away September 9, 2015 at UW Hospital. He was born on January 7, 1934 in Chatham Township, NJ to German immigrants, John and Kate (Sommer) Wenning. He met the love of his life, Leahrae "Lee" Ullsvik in 1956 travelling by bus from NY to Boston where he was returning to obtain his degree in engineering from MIT and she was visiting relatives. They were married on May 30, 1959 and made their home in Madison.As Director of the Bureau of Building and Structures, Department of Industry Labor and Human Relations, John retired after 31 years of service with the State of Wisconsin. He also proudly served as President of the NCSBCS, a national organization of building codes and standards during his State tenure. For the following 20 years he created a career as a self-employed, private engineering consultant and expert witness – a profession he greatly enjoyed. A 26 year veteran of the Army National Guard, John retired as a "Full Bird" Colonel. He has been a member of Bethel Lutheran Church for the past 56 years. John and Lee have participated in many social clubs including Gyro, Harlequin Dance Club and Stoughton Country Club. They travelled extensively throughout Europe where John especially enjoyed downhill ski tours with the Madison Ski Club. On a typical day you could find John on the tennis courts or swimming laps in Madison or Naples, FL, with evenings spent enjoying the company of long-time friends. Door County was the destination for family vacations, boating and swimming. Downhill skiing was a favorite family pastime with repetitive adventures to UT and CO.John enjoyed spending quality time with his children. He frequently visited his son's place of business to listen, learn and enjoy the comradery of sales; tagged along as a sailing companion; and they enjoyed many Oshkosh Air Shows together. He delighted in sharing adventures with his daughter, including an impromptu ski trip to Colorado celebrating her final semester of undergrad; a road trip to move her to Los Angeles following college; and her subsequent pursuit of a career in entertainment and J.D. degree from Pepperdine Law. He was also known for preparing schmarrn, a traditional German breakfast that the grandchildren loved to eat before summer swim team practices.John was preceded in death by his parents; brother Harry Wenning, and nephew Richard Wenning of LaGrangeville, NY. He will forever remain in the hearts and minds of his wife of 56 years, Lee Wenning; son John Wenning (Karen) and grandchildren August, Kate & Oliver; daughter, Kristin Wenning; the Tom (and Sue) Ullsvik family; and the Harry (and Doris) Wenning family. Funeral services will be held at BETHEL LUTHERAN CHURCH, 312 Wisconsin Ave., Madison at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, September 15, 2015.  Visitation will be held at GUNDERSON WEST FUNERAL & CREMATION CARE, 7435 University Avenue, Middleton from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. on Monday, September 14, 2015 and also at the church on Tuesday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the service. John will forever rest at First Estes German Church following a private military burial.Memorials may be made to UW Carbone Cancer Center in the name of John Wenning. Thank you to Dr. Longo and his kind, caring team. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com