*Gilbert Daniel “Gib” Wenger, 95, of Centralia, Mo., died in Salina, Kan. on Feb. 21, 2015 at Salina Presbyterian Manor after a short illness.

Gib was born in Wayland, Iowa on June 20, 1919, to Joseph T. and Josephine Widmer Wenger. He married Erma Maurine Clark, of Wayland, Iowa, on Sept. 16, 1943. She preceded him in death March 8, 1996. He married Elizabeth Neff Beck on Jan. 5, 1997, and she preceded him as well Sept. 5, 2011.

Gib served in WWII as a Captain in the U.S. Army, first in northern Africa and then in Italy until the end of the war. He graduated with a B.A. in economics from St. Olaf College in 1948, and received further certification as a member of the real estate Appraisal Institute (M.A.I.) in 1968.

After finishing college, Gib and Erma lived in Sioux Falls, S.D., then moved to Salina in 1950. He began Wenger Agency, selling insurance with his brother Ed. Soon after, he added real estate and became a realtor and broker; he mentored multiple realtors, sales staff, and appraisers for more than 50 years. The current Coldwell Banker Antrim-Piper Wenger Realtors still bears his name.

During his time in business, Gib served as president of Salina Insurance Board, president of Kansas Association of Mutual Insurance Agents, president of Salina Board of Realtors, president of Kansas Association of Realtors, board member for National Association of Realtors, president of Kansas Chapter of the American Institute of Real Estate Appraisers, and was the organizing president for the creation of Salina Multiple Listing Service. He was awarded “Realtor of the Year” by Salina Board of Realtors in 1975, and “Realtor of the Year” by Kansas Association of Realtors in 1981.

He was active in Salina Chamber of Commerce, president of the YMCA, organizing president of Salina Toastmaster’s Club, and campaign chairman of Salina United Way. He was regional vice president of Kansas Association of Commerce and Industry and served as chairman of Salina Planning and Zoning Commission for many years. He helped found the Fellowship of Christian Athletes chapter for youth in Salina and was a retired member of the Downtown Lions Club. Gib was a devoted member and choir director for Immanuel Lutheran Church for many years, and later he and Liz joined First Covenant Church.

In addition to Erma and Liz, Gib was preceded in death by his parents; four brothers, Homer, Ed, Harry, and Elmer; and four sisters, Kathryn Suter Anderson, Esther Brown, Anna Alliman, and Mabel Cain. He is survived by three children: Stan Wenger and wife Janelle, Ron Wenger and wife Linda, and Janice Wenger and husband Lynn Behrns; stepchildren, Robert Beck and Jana Lapel Denis; five grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; and dozens of nieces and nephews.

Memorials are suggested to First Covenant Church, Gideons International, or Salina Area United Way, in care of Ryan Mortuary.