Michael J. Wenrich, 66

February 25, 1951 - May 21, 2017

Michael J. Wenrich, formerly of Lititz, died recently of natural causes following a lengthy illness. He was 66 years old.
Mike was a professional golfer for most of his career, and later operated a successful golf apparel and merchandise business.
Mike was born in Robesonia, Berks County and moved to Lititz as a youth. His family lived on the outskirts of Lititz, and Mike spent a great deal of time with friends, hunting, fishing and exploring nearby woodlands and fields. He operated several trap lines as a teenager and enjoyed taking his Irish Setter for long runs.
Mike graduated from Warwick High School in 1969. He was a multi-sport athlete in high school and played on the Warwick Warrior football team that won the 1967 Lancaster County League Championship. Golf was his passion, however, and he eventually focused and excelled in that sport. He was a member of Warwick’s varsity golf team for four years, and was captain his senior year. During his high school years, Mike won several prestigious regional and national invitational golf tournaments, including a National Juniors Championship, and worked in the pro shop at Overlook Golf Course in Manheim Township.
Mike earned a golf scholarship to Brandywine Junior College, where he again was captain of the school’s golf team and the No. 1 player. After two years at Brandywine, he was recruited by East Tennessee State University, where he was a starting member of that school’s NCAA Division One team. He graduated from East Tennessee, earning a bachelor’s Degree in Business.
Following college, Mike earned his PGA Card, and was hired as the Assistant Golf Pro at Hershey Country Club. He was later promoted to Head Pro at the adjacent Hershey Parkview course. He was especially proud of his tenure at the country club, a nationally recognized course which hosted the PGA Championship several times, among other national tournaments. In addition, Hershey was the home course of Ben Hogan, Mike’s golfing inspiration and idol.
After several years at Hershey, Mike accepted the Head Pro position at Carlisle Country Club, and ran that course for close to a decade. He then established a business that specialized in golf merchandise and personalized apparel. He had accounts with several major corporations and golf courses. Mike was a skilled and convincing salesman, and once joked that he could sell anything, to anybody, anywhere, at any time.
Mike enjoyed outdoor activities, especially spending time at the Wenrich family retreat near Jersey Shore, in Lycoming County. He also was passionate about automobiles. He owned several muscle cars including a 1963 Chevy Impala SS convertible, and a ’69 Dodge Dart GT V-8. He later came to appreciate European engineering and drove Posches and BMWs in later years.
Mike had a winning smile and was a charismatic and garrulous character who could command the attention of a room full of people. He usually was the center of attention at any social gathering.
He is remembered as a caring older brother who often took his two younger brothers for thrill rides in his muscle cars, allowed them to hang out with his “cool” friends, and attended nearly every sporting event in which they participated.
Mike was the son of the late Jay H. and Mazie A. Wenrich, formerly of Lititz. He is survived by two brothers, Douglas J. Wenrich, of Neffsville, and Craig D. Wenrich, husband of Carla, New Rochelle, N.Y.; two step-sisters, Katie Wenrich and Tancy Wenrich, both of Lancaster; a step-mother, Frances Wenrich (Keifer), and a niece, Ivy E. Wenrich, Philadelphia.
A private service will be held for family members at Salem Lutheran Church of Kissel Hill.