REV. JAMES WENNEKER

SIKESTON -- The Rev. James Emmett Wenneker, 62, of Sikeston died Tuesday, Feb. 3, 1998, at Missouri Delta Medical Center.

He was born Aug. 1, 1935, in Quincy, Ill., son of J. Emmett "Jake" and Trula Brockschmidt Wenneker. He and Joyce Anderson were married in 1956 in Quincy.

Wenneker was a 1953 graduate of Quincy High School and attended Quincy College. He worked as a radio announcer in Quincy and then moved to Sikeston to manage a radio station.

He became an ordained minister in 1983 and was currently pastor of Believer's Fellowship Church in Sikeston. He also operated a piano refinishing and tuning business.

Wenneker was a member of Sikeston Little Theatre, had served on the board of directors since 1971 and was vice president 15 years.

He designed the stage for Sikeston Activity Center and Chaney-Harris Cultural Center, and was working on plans and was a consultant regarding the new theater that is in progress.

Wenneker was involved in 26 plays. He was a board member and treasurer of Sikeston Arts and Education Council, and was an organizer and officer of Sikeston Bicentennial Committee. He was a member and treasurer of Sikeston Optimist Club. He served in the Illinois National Guard.

Survivors include two daughters, Julie Johnson of Springfield, Ill., Jeri Wenneker of Jacksonville, Ill.; his parents of Quincy; and two granddaughters.

Friends may call at Ponder Funeral Home in Sikeston from 6-8 p.m. today. A service will be held at 8 p.m., with the Rev. Tom Geers officiating.

Friends may also call Saturday after noon at Zehender-Robinson-Stormer-Cookson Funeral Home in Quincy.

Funeral service will be at 3 p.m. Saturday at the funeral home in Quincy, with the Rev. Charles Baker officiating. Burial will be in Greenmount Cemetery.