John David Wackenhuth

John David Wackenhuth, age 68 yrs. was called by God to enter into eternal life with Him, Jesus Christ His son and the Holy Spirit on August 3, 2008 at Mt. Carmel West Hospital. He was a firm believer in our triune God and was a member of St. John Evangelical Lutheran Church. He was a graduate of Hilliard HS Class of ’57. He served 4 yrs in the US Air Force. He completed 2 years of technical computer training and worked at the Rocky Mountain News as a dispatcher for one year in Denver, CO. He retired in 2001 after 44 yrs of service with the railroad. He was preceded in death by his dad, William E. Wackenhuth and his mother, Helen E. Vermillion. John was truly dedicated to the care of his mother, Helen, until her death at 87 in 2003. He was kind and compassionate to all who suffered a human misery. He showed concern and empathized with people who mourned, were ill or hospitalized. John loved doing the daily crossword puzzles in the Columbus Dispatch. He had an avid enthusiasm for tractors, tractor pull events and he enjoyed showing his antique tractor and wagon with his brother Bill. He loved having the children and veterans ride on the tractor wagon at parades and throw candy to the crowds. John had a very special bond with his son, Larry. They talked every day about sporting events, upcoming fairs, NASCAR races they had attended together and those “sorry” Reds! Strangely, the famous Skip Carey of the Atlanta Braves died the same day as John and was the same age. John imparted sound and loving advice to Larry on life and family. JW loved quoting lines from The Godfather movies. Two of his favorites were “…Don’t tell me you’re innocent, because it insults my intelligence…” and another one was “…This is business, not personal.” He will be deeply missed by his loving wife Karen, as well as family and friends, especially his son, Larry (Rhonda) Wackenhuth; grandsons, Johnathon and James; step-grandson, Nick; step-granddaughter, Amanda; brother, Bill Wackenhuth; aunt, Carolyn Lukas; uncle, Charles (Renate) Wright; also, many nieces, cousins, tractor buddies, railroad coworkers, the cardio “rat pack”; conversations with Chuck, his barber; and many others. All six of his cats will miss him too! Special thanks to Pastor Gaston of Resurrection Evangelical Lutheran Church where John was a frequent visitor. Also, special thanks to Pastor Phillips of St John Evangelical Lutheran Church for his dedication to the Wackenhuth family, not only as a pastor, but also as a personal friend. Also, thanks to the chaplains at Mt. Carmel West Hospital for their caring support. Visitation will be Friday, August 8th from 4 PM to 8 PM at THE TIDD FUNERAL HOME 5265 Norwich St Hilliard. Services will be held at 10 AM Saturday at St John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church, with a viewing at the church, one hour prior to the service. In lieu of flowers, a memorial gift may be given to St. Johns Evangelical Lutheran Church 2745 W. Broad St. Columbus 43204, to the Resurrection Evangelical Lutheran Church 3500 Main St Hilliard 43026, or to the Cats Only Vet Clinic 3416 Riverside Dr. Columbus 43221. Interment Sunset Cemetery 6959 W Broad St. Galloway OH