John Carl Wenhart (1943-2024)

I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. ~ 2 Timothy 4:7-8

John passed away peacefully April 24, 2024 with his family by his side. John loved life and will be missed but we rejoice that he is now with his Lord and Savior. Knowing John, he likely has a tee time tomorrow and will be giving lessons to his heavenly playing partners.

John was born in Akron, Ohio and lived in Ohio until he was transferred to Raleigh in 1976 with the Magnavox Corporation,. As long time members of North Ridge Country Club, John made many lifelong friends on and off the course.

What truly made John happy though was his marriage to Mary Kay, his family, Lake Erie, and the golf course. John and Mary Kay would have celebrated 61 years of marriage in August.Even as his health was failing, he said “I am having the best time of my life because of mom and even though being in Heaven will be wonderful, I am not ready to leave because of her.”

John’s faith grew as he aged. He knew he was going home soon to be with God and was not afraid to tell anyone about Jesus. Health factors aside which sometimes prevented onsite attendance, John enjoyed listening to good preaching and worshipping with other believers. When people came over, dad was always passionate about sharing songs he had recently discovered.

John is survived by his wife Mary Kay, sister Arlene Steinkerchner of Wadsworth OH, daughter Michelle Holcomb and husband Kevin of Raleigh, son Mike and wife Beth of Raleigh, son Jeffof Southport NC, grandchildren Kelly Guzouskis and husband Ryan of Willow Spring NC, Tucker Cummings and wife Carley of Austin TX, Elizabeth Taylor and husband Ben of Wilmington NC, Sydney Flynt and husband Matt of Browns Summit NC, and great-grandchildren Charlie, Hadley, and Blakely Guzouskis, Amelia and Lucas Flynt, Avery Layne Taylor, and soon to be baby Cummings. John was preceded in death by his parents Thelma and John “Spike” Wenhart of Copley OH, and brothers Walt and Bob.

A Memorial Service will be held on Tuesday, April 30, 2024 at North Ridge Country Club at 2:30. A reception will be held at the club immediately following the service. Friends and family will also gather at the home of Michelle and Kevin Holcomb, 8505 Colesbury Dr, just a short drive (or a long par 5) from the club after the reception. John loved life and gatherings with family and friends, and this informal celebration will be exactly what John had always wished – quality time with people, laughing, playing cornhole and bocce ball, and living life like John would want.

In lieu of flowers, John wishes for donations to be made to the MS Society or the PAN Foundation.

John’s love for his family will always be remembered and cherished. We will all miss you, but we rejoice with Jesus welcoming you into His Kingdom with open arms and saying to you, “Well done my good and faithful servant.”