John Edward Wuenschel

1936 - 2020

John Edward Wuenschel
John Edward Wuenschel of Saint Augustine, Florida passed away on December 28, 2020 after a long illness.
Born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania on May 21, 1936, John (aka Jack) was recognized throughout his youth as a gifted athlete. He played varsity baseball, basketball, and football at Avalon High School and attended Stetson University in DeLand, Florida on a football scholarship.
John graduated from Stetson in 1958 with a bachelor of science degree in physical education. He was a member of the Sigma Nu fraternity.
After college, John was stationed in the Mediterranean as a first lieutenant in the Marine Corps. He returned to Florida in 1961 and took a job teaching science and physical education at Father Lopez Catholic High School in Daytona Beach.
John met fellow Stetson graduate Betty Jane Lee that year, and they married on December 30, 1962. The couple moved to Sunnyvale, California where John worked at the Veterans Administration as a physical therapist for wounded veterans and took classes towards a master's degree in public administration at San José State University.
John's career trajectory shifted in 1966 when the VA identified him as someone with strong aptitude for the nascent computing field, and he accepted a position as manager of technical support in their new facility in Austin, Texas. In 1970, the family, now numbering six, moved near Dallas so John could take a position as a programmer at Frito Lay. Three years later, he was recruited by Digital Equipment Corporation (DEC) and moved the family to Northborough, Massachusetts.
John enjoyed a long and successful career at DEC where he ultimately became senior information systems manager of computer systems manufacturing. He traveled frequently to Puerto Rico, Ireland, and other locations across the U.S. and Europe where his management expertise was needed.
Upon retirement in 1989, John and Betty returned to Florida and became founding members of the Marsh Creek Country Club in Saint Augustine. John dedicated himself to the "Noon Game," enjoying the camaraderie and competition of golf for decades thereafter.
John will be remembered by friends and family for his legendary storytelling, sharp mind, and quiet determination. His bravery through his illness was inspirational.
John is survived by his wife of 58 years, Betty; children Ann (Allen) Garber, Kurt, Beth McQueen, Jill (Brent Welch); siblings James, Daniel, and Mary Ann (Eugene) Miller; six grandchildren; one great-grandchild; many nieces, nephews, and cousins; and many dear friends.
Per John's wishes, there will be no services. For anyone wishing to make a memorial contribution, the family suggests The Salvation Army (https://give.salvationarmyflorida.org/) at PO Box 4110 St. Augustine, FL 32085 or Community Hospice (https://www.communityhospice.com/give/) at 4266 Sunbeam Road, Jacksonville, FL 32257.