Albert "Chuck" Wennekamp

WENNEKAMP, ALBERT "CHUCK" Beloved father, grandfather, and brother, unexpectedly joined his wife Helen in heaven on Saturday, November 8, 2014, three months after his seventy-fifth birthday. Since 1973, Chuck resided in Albuquerque, NM. Chuck is survived by his sons, Curt and wife, Veronica of Lakeland, TN, Daniel and wife, Trudy of Sauk Rapids, MN, Wynn and wife, Jennifer of Adair, OK, and Wayne and wife, Jennifer of San Jose, CA; eight grandchildren, Lydia, Mae, Nathan, Chrissy, Andrew, Elizabeth, Elam and Carsten; brother, Richard of Manhattan Beach, CA; and sister, Eve Ohlinger of Scottsdale, AZ. He is preceded in death by his wife, Helen Christine of Albuquerque, NM; and brother, Larry of Long Beach, CA. Chuck was born on August 13, 1939 in Long Beach, CA, to Albert Martin and Eva Wennekamp. He was the first freshman recipient of the Long Beach Community College Vike of the week award and went on to receive a football scholarship to the University of Idaho. He graduated from the University of Idaho in 1962 with a degree in electrical engineering. He married Helen Christine Wennekamp, the love of his life, in 1961. Chuck was hired by General Electric straight out of college, and retired after 42 years. During their 48 years of marriage, Chuck and Helen welcomed four children into their home and Chuck set about teaching them to analyze problems and to think their way through them. The children remember him as a patient father who encouraged them to pursue their goals. Chuck was a generous man who loved driving his RV around the country to visit his family and enjoy University of Idaho Alumni events. He had a passion for trains, whether riding steam trains, repairing locomotives for charity, or building model trains. Chuck was a long time member of Oasis Family Church and was active in children's ministry throughout his marriage to "Hallelujah Helen." We will remember his life on Friday, November 14, 2014, 10:00 a.m., at Grace Outreach Center in Rio Rancho, NM. Pastor Terry Mathews will officiate the ceremony. All are welcome to attend and celebrate Chuck's life. Should friends desire, contributions may be made in lieu of flowers to Hallelujah Helen Memorial Fund, www.hhmf.org where additional information on the fund can be found. Please visit our online guestbook for Chuck at www.FrenchFunerals.com FRENCH - Westside 9300 Golf Course Rd NW 505-897-0300