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Eugene “The Wood Doctor” Wengert, 1942–2025

Eugene Mark (Gene) Wengert ’64, PhD’75, age 82, passed peacefully into the hands of Jesus in Bishop, Georgia. Born August 31, 1942 in Knoxville, TN to Norman and Janet (Mueller) Wengert. Gene graduated from University of Wisconsin–Madison (BS and PhD) and Colorado State University (MS). While an undergraduate, he met Barbara Buehler ’64. They were married in 1964 and raised three children, Paul (Denise Hart), Thad (Ana Ramos), and Laura (Alan Moore). Gene and Barb have nine grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. They celebrated 60 years of marriage in August of 2024.

Known as “The Wood Doctor,” Gene began his career as professor and Extension specialist at UW–Madison, with a long tenure at Virginia Tech. His contributions to the wood industry include books, articles, and training over 5,000 people in quality procedures in wood sawmilling and drying wood.

A more extensive obituary and details of a memorial service can be found at the link below.

More Alumni Notes

Carol Kobak Abrams BS’62 was elected to the Hall of Fame of the Indiana Jewish Historical Society as a Hoosier Legend in 2024.

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