Obituaries
Douglas J. Wenrich, 58
November 09, 2017
Douglas J. Wenrich, 58, died at his Manheim Twp. home on Thursday, November 9, 2017. He was born in Lancaster to the late Jay H. and May (Mazie) A. Wenrich. He was preceded in death by his older brother Michael J. Wenrich.
Doug was a 1977 graduate of Warwick High School. He was an accomplished athlete who played many sports but was especially fond of and skilled at basketball and football and was the quarterback for the Warwick High School football team. A talented writer and avid reader, Doug began his college career at Penn State University before transferring to Millersville University where he earned his bachelor’s degree in English. Prior to working as a salesman at Hondru Auto Group he was a journalist for the Lancaster New Era.
Passionate about music, Doug could and often did spend hours discussing lyrics, slight changes in different recordings or how using different guitars transformed a song. Doug’s taste in music ranged from punk to glam rock to folk, and he especially loved the Ramones, David Bowie, Motörhead, Johnny Thunders, Social Distortion, Bob Dylan, the Rolling Stones, Iggy and the Stooges, the New York Dolls, the Sex Pistols, the Velvet Underground and Nirvana. Doug was also a car enthusiast and was particularly fond of the BMW 2002 tii in Inka orange; he owned several of this make and model throughout his life.
Doug had fond memories of visiting his grandparents in Robesonia, PA and spending time at his family’s cabin in Lycoming county, which he often reminisced about. Later in life he enjoyed going to breakfast with his daughter every Sunday and caring for his cat Penny.
Doug was exceptionally intelligent, had a sharp wit and was rarely outsmarted in arguments. While he wore red Converse, ripped jeans, band t-shirts and leather jackets, lived by his own rules and was rough around the edges, Doug was also relentlessly supportive, encouraging and loving, went out of his way to uplift those he cared about and was kind to everyone he met. He always offered a shoulder to lean on and a hand to hold in trying times and was equally as excited about his loved one’s achievements as they were. Doug is remembered fondly by all those who knew him as someone who loved his friends and family deeply.
Doug is survived by his daughter Ivy Elizabeth Wenrich of Philadelphia; brother, Craig D. Wenrich, husband of Carla of New Rochelle, NY; a beloved friend, Meghan Nephin, mother of Ivy, of Pocono Lake, PA; two stepsisters, Katie Wenrich and Tancy Wenrich both of Lancaster; a step-mother Frances Wenrich (Kiefer) of Lancaster and countless other loved ones.
In lieu of flowers, take a friend out to eat, make a friendly phone call to someone you know or go see live music.
Private graveside services will be held at Salem Lutheran Church of Kissel Hill Cemetery.
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Condolences to the Family
February 06, 2018
Ivy, we only learned today of Doug’s passing and are deeply sorry to hear this. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. We so enjoyed our conversations with your Dad and we would ask about you. He was our saleman for many years at Hondru Dodge. We are the individuals who gave you the doll when you were little and would visit your Dad at the dealership. We will truly miss Doug. Frank & Carolyn Julian
November 18, 2017
As a rep for Cars by Dealers magazine, I saw Doug every 2 weeks. I knew by the number of photos of her on his desk that Ivy was a big part of his life. I was truly saddened to hear of his passing when I stopped by Hondru yesterday.
He was a gentleman by nature and a friend whom I’ll miss.
My condolences to Ivy & his familly.
Bruce Mervine
York
November 17, 2017
Doug sold us our first mini van on the Friday before his death. He wasn’t your average salesman and he was a huge reason why we went back to Hondru to buy our van. He was kind and caring. Easy to talk to and we truly felt like he had our best interest in mind. It was a big moment for our family, our first new vehicle and our first minivan. He will forever be one of the best parts of our familiy’s memories of that experience. Ivy, he talked so highly of you. He was very proud to tell us about his daughter and you could how much he loves you by the way he talked about you. He was only in our life for a brief moment but his memory will always stick with us. He was a wonderful man I am so glad we had the pleasure of meeting him. Our deepest sympathies to his family and friends. Kelley Buckwalter
November 17, 2017
Thank you Doug for being a friend to me. You will be missed. My condolences to the family.
Ian Chea
November 15, 2017
Craig,
My sincere condolences to you and Carla.
Doug’s obituary was so beautifully written, and he was certainly was a gifted individual. I thought about how when working with your dad, he would light up when Doug stopped by, or you and Mike. He had a great love for all of his sons. Both your parents were so proud of their sons.
May you be comforted by the thoughts and memories of Doug.
Sharon Hawthorne
November 15, 2017
So sorry to hear about Doug…
There are no words that can express condolences for what an unexpected and deep loss like this brings.
Be sure that your sadness will be carried by those who love you.
And may you find comfort in memories.
Mardi Camille McKerrow
November 15, 2017
Ivy, Please accept my deepest sympathies. I have such fond memories of your dad, especially of the Saturday nights we worked together at the paper early in our careers. You were always the light of his life. He loved you so much and was sooooo proud of you! May you find comfort and joy in your rich memories. You are in my thoughts and prayers, Barb Roda (Faith’s mom)
November 15, 2017
I worked with Doug briefly at Intelligence Printing, his dad and I had been co-employees over the years at Intell, he was a proud father of his son’s. He loved his family. He was highly respected at Intell , Doug was an apple in Jay’s eyes he was very proud of all his son’s achievements…he will be dearly missed…Doug is Gods hands…
November 15, 2017
I worked with Doug for a number of years at Lancaster Newspapers. He was a unique and intelligent man. I have a few vivid memories. We both drove into work early in the mornings from Lititz and Doug was the only driver who zipped down Duke Street faster than I did. I always tried to keep his tail lights in the near distance! Doug had a sly, wicked sense of humor. He loved to laugh and to tell funny stories, and he could see the good in everyone. Doug also liked to dress sharp: boots, leather jackets. But he had a file drawer in the office we called “Doug’s Haberdashery.” If he had an unexpected interview or press conference, he would open the drawer to find a stash of ties he kept in there for last-minute power dressing. Other men in the newsroom used it too. I won’t forget Doug! He left his mark on the world. Wishing you peace, Cindy Stauffer
November 15, 2017
Doug was a wonderful human who imparted a lot of love and wisdom in those around him, especially his daughter, Ivy, who mirrors so much of his intelligence and spirit. There are no words to ever console the premature loss of a beloved person.
November 15, 2017
I sat beside Doug in the New Era offices for years. He was a good friend, and I really missed him when he left. Now, I miss him all over again. What you say about him here is so true: he was smart, kind, and encouraging. So sorry for this loss. Love, Andrea Brown
November 15, 2017
Ivy, I don’t know if you remember me, but I was a good friend of your father’s family, Kathy Risser Harclerode. I remember meeting you right after you were born and commented how beautiful you were and I know you still are. Please tell your mother I send my condolences and you as well. I know how much your father adored you and the special bond you both had. Always hold those memories close to your heart. Warmly, Kathy
November 15, 2017
Craig, I can not believe you have lost two brothers in such a short time. I hope you know you and Carly are in my thoughts and prayers and words can not express how much sorrow you have been through. I always had such wonderful memories of your family and dearly miss your mother and father. They were both so kind to my daughters, Kristine and Kim. You, Mike and Doug were so blessed to grow up in a loving family. I would love to see you and Carly if you are ever in Lancaster again. I know how busy everyone’s lives are, but it has been such a long time. My email is: kathyharc21@gmail.com if you ever want to connect with me. May all those wonderful memories of your brothers stay close to your heart. With Love, Kathy Risser Harclerode
November 15, 2017
IVY,
I WILL ALWAYS REMEMBER WHEN YOUR DAD WOULD BRING YOU INTO THE DEALERSHIP WHEN YOU WERE LITTLE. HE REALLY ADORED YOU. IT WAS MY PRIVILEDGE TO WORK WITH HIM FOR ALMOST 20 YEARS. HE WAS A FRIEND ,AND A GREAT ASSET TO HONDRU DODGE. I WILL MISS HIM.
PETE HONDRU
November 15, 2017
Ivy, I was so sorry to hear about your dad, was just thinking about him the other day when I was at the dealership. He was a special person and I thought the world of him. Keep his memories close. I know I will.
