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Rev. Michael Wenning
Rev. Michael Wenning
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Michael Wenning Obituary
Wenning died from leukemia and kidney failure Tuesday at his Mission Viejo home, his wife, Freda, said.
The Reagans had attended Bel Air Presbyterian in the Santa Monica Mountains for decades, dating back to when Reagan was governor of California.
Wenning, who was pastor of the 2,500-member church from 1995 to 2001, regularly visited Reagan's home and Century City office when the Alzheimer's disease-stricken former president stopped appearing in public.
Reagan was 93 when he died on June 5, 2004.
It was Wenning who conducted the nationally televised hilltop burial service for the former president at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library in Simi Valley. And it was Wenning who comforted the anguished for mer first lady.
"Everyone wanted to put their arms around Nancy, and here was a man holding her on behalf of the nation and just comforting her," Freda Wenning told The Orange County Register. "He was like that. He was very comforting. That sort of captures who he was."
Nancy Reagan, who turns 90 on July 6, expressed her sorrow in a statement Wednesday.
"I was very sorry to learn today of the death of Rev. Michael Wenning," she said. "Bel Air Presbyterian Church was always an important part of our lives, and I was grateful to Michael, as a former pastor, for contributing to Ronnie's final services."
A native of South Africa, Wenning (pronounced VEN'-eeng) was born in Capetown on July 5, 1935. He moved to the United States and received a master's of divinity at Texas Christian University and a master's in psychology and counseling at New York University.
He returned to South Africa and became pastor of a Presbyterian church in Durban in 1969. Wenn ing and his family returned to the United States in 1977 so he could lead a Presbyterian church in Pittsburgh. He then moved to Southern California and was pastor at Geneva Presbyterian Church in Laguna Hills from 1986 to 1995.
Geneva Presbyterian pastor Rod Kingston says Wenning will be eulogized during a public memorial service at the 850-seat church Sunday afternoon. Wenning's body was cremated.
Besides his wife, Wenning is survived by two daughters: Michelle Blankenship, of Ann Arbor, Mich., and Andrea Bull, of Fresno.
Copyright © 2011 The Associated Press
43 Entries
Richard, Allison, and Baby Katherine Sutter
April 11, 2020
Our Rock and our Spiritual Leader.
Bob Swift
March 6, 2016
Dear Freda,
Among all these other memories of Mike, it seems appropriate that at least one should be from the time of his internship at First Christian Church, Carrollton, TX. I have lots of memories of both of y'all, your little house on Wasina in Farmers Branch, Mike playing the piano in the living room, your mother "Jenny" who my mother (Esther Swift) dearly loved, Mike's student teaching days in my Jr. High English class (he was a tough but merciful grader!). When he stood with arms outstretched at Reagan's service I remembered him often doing the same in the Sunday evening services at First Christian. His time there was the only time we consistently went to Sun. evening services. My dad (Doug Swift) was especially attentive to Mike's very personable and personal messages. If Mike ever had doubts about the existence of God, they would have been silenced had he learned that the silly, fidgety, spiritually unpromising child of the Swifts (Bob) went to seminary and is himself in the ministry today. In fact, I was a hospice chaplain when Mike officiated Reagan's service so my memories of Mike have often returned when I've done the same. Did I mention "wordy" along with silly and fidgety? Though I could go on, I'd better wrap it up. As our Lord lives, we'll meet again and have a good laugh about it all. It was joyous to have known Mike.
Bob Swift
Flower Mound, TX
Des Meyer
October 17, 2013
Dear Freda. I was privelaged to have been in Michaels final Confirmation Class in Durban 1977. You and Michael were instrumental in my Christian growth and music. God Bless you and the "girls". The Rev was a God=driven man who inspired many young Christians
Nate Bayless
August 25, 2011
...amazing how we are guided...Andrea, Mama Wenning, Sissy...you couldn't have asked for a better man. Thank you for sharing him with me...it's been over 20 years and I can still hear his laugh! (I know, "cheeky", right?!) May your hearts be light and filled with joy that He lived such a wonderful life and delighted in you! Love, Nate (Digi)
How you can show support
July 12, 2011
Dear Freda:
We are saddened from the news we read in our Aiken, SC newspaper about Michael. Please accept our sincere sympathy. He has always had a place in our hearts and were so happy we got to know you and Michael when we lived in Pittsburgh. We moved to Aiken in 1988, and didn't know you had moved to Florida.
Lois & Dick Shank
R. Schmidt
July 10, 2011
Having moved from Laguna Hills to the midwest, it was several years since we had been to Geneva. Then listening to the funeral of Ronald Reagan, I heard that familiar voice turning to see Dr. Wenning at Mrs. Reagans side. That was what he did best. He nurtured. I will wait for the opportunity to see him again and hear his nurturing voice. Praise be to Michael for all you did, rest in peace.
July 9, 2011
Dear Freda, Michael was a prince of a man. God shone through him and touched our lives every time we met him. How you will miss him.I had a long chat to Hetty this morning in which she shared the details of his very special home-call with you beside him. May God bless and comfort you. Come to SA soon. Love and prayers,Leigh and Irene Robinson
Mark Wenning
July 6, 2011
My Dearest Uncle Mike,
I was so glad we had the time together in Florida, even though it was so short. I couldn't bear hearing about the pain you were going through just to endure another day. But I know now that you are free of pain and that you are in the presence of our Lord, what a joy that must be for you having served Him for so long. I cant wait to to see the jewels in your crown, you certainly deserve them.
I feel for Aunty Fifi, you seldom see people in love like you two were.
I am so glad we have your tapes to listen to the sound of your voice, but most of all, i cant wait to see you again at the coming of our Lord, until then..
Mark, Leah-Ann and Danica
Joy Wooderson
July 6, 2011
One day a lanky teenager dressed in a blazer and grey slacks showed up at the youth group of my father's church in Durban, South Africa. He introduced himself as Michael Wenning. Before long he showed an interest in one of my friends, Freda Jennings, and I later stood with them as bridesmaid while my father performed their marriage ceremony.
Our contact over the years was intermittent, but the bond that formed in those early days never broke. Each opportunity to get together was special to me. Michael exuded warmth and compassion, to friends and strangers alike. I admired his dignity, calming presence, and willingness to help in any way he could. To me, he was one of the best representatives of the clergy I knew, exemplifying what it truly meant to be a shepherd to his "flock" wherever he ministered.
My heart ached at his long physical battle, but if I close my eyes, I can imagine his smiling face as he greets family and friends, and strides forward to meet the Lord he loved and served, and to enjoy his eternal reward.
To Freda, Michelle, Andrea, Pieter and Alva, Hetty and Neil, and all the members of the family, my prayers and love are with you at this difficult time. May memories of Michael bring you comfort.
Joy
LORI FARRAR
July 5, 2011
MAY THE MUSIC OF HEAVEN BE SOUNDING, FOR THE COMING OF ALL WHO ARE WAITING. THIS IS A SAD TIME, WHEN YOU LOSE SOMEONE THAT MEANS SOO MUCH. MAY THE LORD OF ALL COMFORT, HEAL THESE PEOPLE, MAY EVERYONE THAT KNEW THIS REVERAND TO FOLLOW THOSE LESSONS, THAT THEY HAVE LEARNED. PLEASE DEAR LORD, STOP THE PAIN, AS SOON AS POSSIBLE, SO THAT THESE PEOPLE COULD PROCEED WITH THE MEMORIES, OF WHAT HAPPENED IN THE PAST. ITS TIME TO STEP UP, AND LOVE THY NEIGHBOR AS MUCH AS U LOVE YOURSELVES. ITS TIME TO LOVE, ALL THOSE PEOPLE THAT HAVE COME TO YOU IN THE PAST AND THAT WILL COME IN THE FUTURE. IN DUE TIME YOU WILL SEE EACH OTHER IN HEAVEN. PLEASE GIVE THESE THE PEACE, THESE PEOPLE NEED TO DISCOVER, AND KEEP THE LOVE OF GOD. GOD BLESS ALL WHO HAVE BEEN CLEANSED OF THEIR SINS, BY BEING BAPTIZED IN THE LORD AND HIS FAMILY. THE PASTOR IS WAITING FOR YOU ON THE OTHER SIDE OF LIFE. WHEN YOU SEE HIM, YOUR HEARTS WILL BE FULL OF JOY AND HAPPINESS. GOD BLESS THESE PEOPLE FOR LOVING THIS MAN OF GOD.
July 5, 2011
Love and blessings Freda, Ann and Andrea from your extended family in New Zealand (ex Zimbabwe), Danny & Eileen Hartman, and David and Donna Gifford - a wonderful man, now with our Lord.
July 4, 2011
TO THE FAMILY AND FRIENDS,I EXPRESS MY DEEPEST SYMPATHY AT THIS VERY DIFFICULT AND PAINFUL TIME,PLEASE FIND COMFORT AT JOHN 7:11-17 .AW.HOUSTON,TX
AFTER A HARD DAY'S WORK...
JANE GRANBY
July 4, 2011
HE ALWAYS TOOK THE TIME TO TALK AND TO LISTEN.
JANE GRANBY
July 4, 2011
ANOTHER WONDERFUL WENNING HUG...
JANE GRANBY
July 4, 2011
PASTOR WENNING GREETING PEOPLE AFTER SUNDAY SERVICES AT BEL AIR PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH.
JANE GRANBY
July 4, 2011
WHILE I WAS WAITING IN LINE TO GREET PASTOR WENNING I CAPTURED THIS HUG.
JANE GRANBY
July 4, 2011
ME WITH PASTOR WENNING AFTER SUNDAY SERVICES
JANE GRANBY
July 4, 2011
I BROUGH MY CAMERA TO SUNDAY SERVICESBECAUSE I WAS GRADUATING SOON & WOULD BE MOVING BACK TO SAN DIEGO. I ASKED PASTOR WENNING TO POSE BY THE CROSS.
JANE GRANBY
July 4, 2011
ME WITH PASTOR WENNING AFTER CHURCH SERVICE
JANE GRANBY
July 4, 2011
I GREW UP A PRESBYTERIAN IN SAN DIEGO SO WHEN I WENT TO UCLA I WAS LOOKING FOR A NEW CHURCH HOME. SOON I SAW THE BEL AIR PRES VAN CIRCLING AROUND THE DORMS. I BECAME AN LOYAL MEMBER OF THE COLLEGE GROUP THAT MET ON SUNDAY NIGHTS. I WAS CONVINCED BY OTHERS TO START COMING ON SUNDAY MORNINGS AS WELL. I WAS INTRIGUED AFTER BEING TOLD AND THEN CONVINCED THAT RONALD REAGAN WOULD BE THERE, AS WELL AS MY SOON TO BE FRIEND PASTOR WENNING.
PASTOR WENNING WAS AN AWESOME PREACHER, PASTOR, AND FRIEND. HE GAVE ME FRIENDSHIP, HOPE, AND SUPPORT AS I FOUGHT BRAIN CANCER AS A COLLEGE STUDENT. HE BROUGHT ME CLOSER TO CHRIST. THE TEARS ARE ROLLING DOWN MY FACE AS I WRITE THIS…HE IS MISSED.
I WAS SO PROUD OF HIM WHEN HE APPEARED ON NATIONAL TV AT RONALD REAGAN’S BURIAL. I FELT THE NEED TO RETURN TO BEL AIR PRES THAT SUNDAY, THE PLACE WHERE PASTOR VENNING HAD BECOME MY FRIEND AND THE PLACE WHERE THE REAGANS BECAME FELLOW CHURCH MEMBERS. I WILL NEVER FORGET PASTOR WENNING LEADING THE CONGREGATION EVERY YEAR, ON THAT SPECIAL WEEK, IN SINGING “HAPPY BIRTHDAY MR. PRESIDENT” TO RONALD REAGAN.
I REGRET LOSING TOUCH WITH HIM AFTER I GRADUATED AND MOVED HOME TO SAN DIEGO. I TRULY DO. MY YEARS AT BEL AIR PRES WERE SOME OF THE HAPPIEST AND I HAVE NEVER FOUND A CHURCH OR A PASTOR THAT I HAVE LIKED BETTER SINCE. PASTOR WENNING WAS AN AWESOME PASTOR AND FRIEND. REST IN PEACE PASTOR WENNING.
MY PRAYERS ARE WITH THE FAMILYY.
GOD BLESS,
JANE GRANBY
Greg & Di Holmes
July 4, 2011
Uncle Michael, your life and love for family and friends will always be an inspiration to us. Your diligent study and preaching of God's word taught us much. We will miss you but know we will meet again.
Our deepest love and sympathy to Aunty Freda, Michelle, Andrea and their families.
Alva Wenning
July 4, 2011
Dearest Michael,
You were the first to welcome me into the Wenning family so many years ago - 1955 to be exact and I appreciated that. I always felt so close to you because of that wonderful gesture.
Pieter and I shared so many special moments with you and Freda, precious memories we will never forget. Bless you for that, as the memories will linger forever.
In closing, I quote.."each one dreams that he will be supernal.... how soon that one becomes the missing face..."
A missing face perhaps, but never a lost memory.
Love from your sister-in-law
Alva
Pieter Wenning
July 4, 2011
My loving Boetie,
It was just the other day when you said it was strange that you, the younger should go before me,well you did. It's only now that your memorial service has been held that the real impact of your passing is hitting us. We like so many people could ask why, but Boetie I would rather have it this way than for you to carry on with the pain and suffering that you endured. Freda was so wonderful to you bearing you up all the time and loving and caring for you as she did, what a wonderful wife God gave you and what a wonderful team you made.
Rest in peace now Boetie.
Alva and I love you so.
Victoria Valdez
July 4, 2011
You will be missed
rip`REV Michael Wenning
July 3, 2011
Uncle Michael, you will always be my light to God's word, may you rest in peace.We will sorely miss you,will be thinking and praying for the family.
Grant,Bev and Kendall - Auckland New Zealand
Hetty Holmes
July 3, 2011
Michael - faithful servant of God, loving husband and wonderful father, precious brother!
From the age of 17 years, his life changed when he met his saviour until the age of 75 when he went to be with him, he never wavered in his love for the Lord.
His wife, Freda and girls, Michelle, Andrea and their families were his whole life on earth.
His tape and DVD ministeries are still preaching the Gospel message throughout the world and are even being used in a training ministery in Africa.
A gentle man of love and compassion for all who knew him. Michael will be sorely missed by us who loved and appreciated him so much. He was our gift from God. We look forward to being together again in the Lord's house.
Your Broken-hearted Neil and Hetty (Brother and sister-in-law).
Henryk Zaleski
July 3, 2011
Rest in peace Pastor Wenning.
Dave Blodgett
July 2, 2011
Michael Wenning was a master at memorializing Geneva Presbyterian Church members who died while he was pastor. I never ceased to marvel at the depth of his insights, his sensitivity and his ability to create a permanent oral legacy for the departed, just as he did for Ronald Reagan.
Mary Marchis
July 2, 2011
It was always a blessing to hear his words of comfort and hear his laugh. It was a joy to work with him at Bel Air Presbyterian. He will always be known as a gracious man, a man who loved his family dearly and a man who truly loved the Lord.
Edward Morton
July 2, 2011
Michael was a huge and wonderfully influential part of our early years in South Africa as we were growing up (especially for me) – we were so privileged to have known the awesome man; it was as if there was constantly a beautiful strong and powerful light around uncle Michael that so warmly and effortlessly comforted us as youngsters. We were always drawn towards this wonderful and genuine warmth that encapsulated the aura of the mighty man.We will sorely miss him.
Harts
July 1, 2011
Our condolences for your loss. May our Heavenly Father, the God of comfort and tender mercies be with you. In deep sympathy,
July 1, 2011
To the Wenning family, our heavenly Father is with you, and He will revive your spirit and crush heart-Isaiah 57:15. (Erma L. Davis, Park Forest, IL.)
Jane Trail
July 1, 2011
To the beloved family of Doug & Jane Trail: Your parents were such wonderful people and wonderful neighbors to our son, Mark, in Lakewood. We send our deepest sympathy to you and your family, and will keep you in our prayers. Fondly, Carol and Tom Smith
The Rev. Dr. Terry L. Greer
July 1, 2011
My prayers are with the Wenning family. The Reverend blessed our nation with his comforting on-air presence as he attended Mrs. Reagan. We are grateful for his many years of service to Christ.
"May Flights of Angels sing him to his rest." -Shakespeare
Noel Ballatin
July 1, 2011
Michael is in a much better world than this one. All of his suffering, agony and pain are gone forever. We should all pray for his soul, as he travels to his final resting place, where his relatives and friends will celebrate his arrival.
He will be sadly missed by all especially those closest.
May God Bless His Family, and God Bless The Reverend Michael Wenning.
A Robinson
June 30, 2011
Please accept my sympathy for your loss. During this time, may all be comforted by the wonderful promise: "And he will will wipe out every tear from their eyes and death will be no more. Neither mourning nor outcry nor pain be anymore. The former things have passed away."
SCOTT CHAMBERLAND
June 30, 2011
REST IN PEACE
Danny Harbin
June 30, 2011
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
Sharon Boyajian
June 30, 2011
Michael was such a comfort to me in my times of stress, a job loss and the loss of my husband. I will always remember his kindness and nurturing personality. My love to Freda and the family.
R Golay
June 30, 2011
To the the family of Rev. Michael Wenning - May God give you peace and comfort through his word and the Lord Jesus Christ during this time of sorrow, I know that he will be missed by many.
RAY COLESON
June 30, 2011
MAY GOD BLESS AND COMFORT YOU IN THIS TIME OF SORROW. PASTORS ARE A BLESSING TO MANY PEOPLE. IN HIS SERVICE RAY COLESON
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