VERONA, Wis. - Frederick "Fred" John Wenger Jr. died unexpectedly on Wednesday, May 27, 2026. Fred was born on April 12, 1948, in Madison, to Frederick and Anna (Daniels) Wenger.

Fred graduated from Verona High School in 1966 where he lettered in football, baseball and wrestling. He was helping to plan and looking forward to his 60th class reunion later this year. Instead of being drafted, Fred enlisted in the United States Army on August 8, 1967. He was proud of his military service and being a Vietnam Veteran.

On December 16, 1967, Fred married Jean Frederickson. Together, they had three children who they raised in the McFarland area. Fred was a dedicated and hard-working Dane County employee for 32 years. He started at Dane County Highway Department and then took a job with Dane County Parks Commission, which he truly loved. He liked taking his family and friends to parks throughout the county to show them the various projects he had worked on and helped build including countless bridges and park shelters.

Fred was a diehard Packers and Badgers fan. He enjoyed traveling, taking many trips to Branson over the years. He was also an avid bowler; bowling up to three times a week in the winter months. On March 30, 2023, he bowled that elusive 300 game at Dream Lanes in the Madison Area Retired Bowlers League (MARBL). Fred also enjoyed playing cards, spending time with family and was a Ford man his entire life who only wished he had kept his '65 Mustang.

Fred was preceded in death by his parents, Fred and Anna Wenger; sisters, Elisabeth Pankonin and Etta Klais; and wife, Jeanne. He is survived by his children Fred Wenger, Rachelle (Scotty) Smith and Renee (Aaron) Zemke; and his two grandsons, Mason and Myles Zemke.

A funeral service will be held at SALEM UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST, 502 Mark Drive, Verona, at 11 a.m. on Saturday, June 13, 2026, with Pastor Phil Hobson presiding. Burial will take place at Sunset Memory Gardens at a later date. Visitation will be held at the church from 9:30 a.m. until the time of the service on Saturday.

Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.

Gunderson East

Funeral & Cremation Care

5203 Monona Drive

(608) 221-5420

Frederick "Fred" John Wenger Jr.

April 12, 1948 - May 27, 2026

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