We have been honored to call these men our Brothers. The condolences of Theta Chi’s extended worldwide family are offered to the family and friends of our deceased brothers.

It is with great sadness that we report the passing of:

George S. Groninger ‘54 - Feb. 27, 2021
Robert S. Wendel ‘54- Feb. 26, 2021

Robert Straub Wendel ‘54, 88 of Exeter Township, Berks County, died Feb. 26, 2021, at the Reading Hospital.

He was born in Pine Grove, Schuylkill County, to the late William Reese Wendel and Alice Margaret (Straub) Wendel.

He was the husband of Joan Carol (Raudenbush) Wendel and had been married for 64 years.

Robert was a state food inspector for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, retiring in 1997. He had also worked at Mrs. Smith Pies Company, Pottstown.

Mr. Wendel served on the Daniel Boone School Board for eight years (1981-1989) and on the Berks County Intermediate Unit for six years (1983-1989). He was a member of St. Paul's Lutheran Church, Douglassville, where he served as an usher and on the church council.

Robert was a 1954 graduate of Penn State where he received his bachelor of science degree. He was an Eagle Scout.

He was a member of American Legion Post 626 and enjoyed square dancing for 40 years with Star Dusters of Berks County. During his retirement years, he enjoyed his fishing trips to Canada.

He served in the United States Army, Medical Corp. from 1954-1956.

Surviving along with his wife are sons, Robert S. husband of Wendy E. Wendel of Sinking Spring, James T. Wendel of Bern Township, Berks County, Jerrold K. Wendel of Schwenksville; brother, David E. Wendel of Jacksonville, Fla.; six grandchildren, Erika, Emily, Joshua, Mathew, Charlotte and Zackary.

He was predeceased by his brother, William J. Wendel.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Paul's Lutheran Church, 548 Old Swede Road, Douglassville, PA 19518.

George Groninger ‘54, 88, of Rockville, MD, passed away on February 27, 2021. He was born in Carlisle, PA on August 12 to the late Marion and George Groninger. George was married 49 years to the late Esther Groninger and is survived by his children, Sharon MacDougall, Jeanne Groninger, Carol Hulstine, Scott Groninger, and four grandchildren. George worked for Montgomery County Public Schools for 35 years as a music teacher and guidance counselor. He was an active member of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Gaithersburg, MD. A virtual memorial service will be held April 18, 2021 at 2:30 p.m., accessible at https://www.goserve.net/groninger. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in his name, to the Music Ministry Fund at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church.

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Chapter Eternal - Wendel '54 and Groninger '54