Obituary of Johanne Wenger
Johanne Charlotte (Davis) Wenger passed peacefully into the arms of Jesus on June 17, 2026, at the age of 79.
She was born on November 26, 1946, in Putnam, Connecticut, to George Davis (d. 2006) and Evelyn (Basto) Davis (d. 1993). She was the youngest of four siblings: Sandra Martin (d. 2017), George “Sonny” Davis (d. 2013), and her beloved twin sister, Jennifer Simms of Campbell Hall, New York.
Johanne treasured her childhood in South Woodstock, Connecticut, where her father purchased the historic Samuel McClellan House, a large, rambling 17th-century inn, in the 1950s. She and Jennifer spent their summers picking strawberries to sell, were active in 4-H, and helped their father and grandparents, Dan and Olive (Moore) Basto, care for the family farm, which had been in the family since shortly after the Civil War.
At an early age, Johanne accepted Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior and became an active member of South Woodstock Baptist Church. She and Jennifer sang together and played piano for many years and were active in the church’s Christian Youth Fellowship.
After graduating from Woodstock Academy in 1964, Johanne and Jennifer enrolled in the nursing program at Windham Regional Technical School in Willimantic, graduating in 1966 as Licensed Practical Nurses. Johanne worked at Day Kimball Hospital in Putnam, Connecticut.
Even as a young woman, Johanne displayed the servant’s heart that would characterize her entire life. A nurse by training and caregiver by nature, she lovingly nursed her grandparents, Dan and Olive, through their final years and, later in life, devoted herself to caring for her parents. Her compassionate heart and willingness to serve reflected the love of Christ she sought to live out every day.
Following Jennifer’s marriage late in 1966, Johanne and her cousin, Gail (Basto) Darling, enrolled at Northeastern Bible College in Essex Fells, New Jersey. College was a joyful and formative season in her life. She sang alto in the college choir, served as the school nurse and a resident assistant, earned Dean’s List honors for multiple semesters, and was inducted into the Delta Epsilon Chi Honor Society. She graduated in 1970 with a Bachelor of Arts in Biblical Literature and a minor in Missions. Though she valued her education, Johanne often joked that the degree she was most proud of was her M.R.S.
On August 22, 1970, she married James Wenger (d. 2025), also a graduate of Northeastern Bible College, at Eastford Baptist Church. They would have celebrated their 56th wedding anniversary this year.
The newlyweds began their married life in Caldwell, New Jersey, where Johanne worked as a private-duty nurse while James completed his degree. After graduation, they moved to Inwood, Long Island, where together they began a lifetime of ministry at Inwood Community Church. Over the years they faithfully served congregations in Ware, Massachusetts (where their two daughters were born), Plainville, Connecticut, and South Woodstock, Connecticut. They later retired to Hillsboro, Oregon, where they joined their daughter Katherine Kinnear and her family.
At every church they served, Johanne faithfully ministered alongside James, using her gifts as a pianist, vocalist, teacher, encourager, and gracious hostess. While James often stood behind the pulpit, Johanne’s quiet faithfulness and servant’s heart touched countless lives behind the scenes. Whether welcoming visitors into their home, leading worship through music, encouraging those in need, or simply serving wherever she was needed, she reflected Christ’s love with humility and grace.
Johanne is survived by her daughters, Katherine Wenger Kinnear and her husband, Brian Kinnear, of Hillsboro, Oregon, and Suzanne Wenger and her husband, Rafael Frutos Fernández, of Madrid, Spain; her cherished grandchildren, Evelyn Kinnear (born 2006) and Russell Kinnear (born 2008); and her beloved twin sister, Jennifer Simms of Campbell Hall, New York.
She was a devoted wife and mother whose steadfast faith held her family together through many moves and seasons of change. Johanne loved Jesus more than life itself and trusted Him completely for His provision and guidance. Although the Lord sometimes called her to walk difficult paths, she never doubted His goodness. She would readily assure anyone that God’s ways are always best.
Those who knew Johanne will remember her gentle spirit, unwavering faith, steadfast prayers, ready smile, and unfailing confidence that God is always good and always faithful.
Her family will always remember her gentle reminder to choose “kind words,” a simple expression that reflected the gracious way she lived and treated others.
“For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.” — Philippians 1:21
A Graveside Service will be held Sunday, July 12, 2026 at 2:00 PM at Quasset Cemetery, Woodstock, CT. Share a memory at Smithandwalkerfh.com