Carl E. "Sonny" Wenner

Carl Edward “Sonny” Wenner, 90, of Bastress Township, passed away peacefully on October 7, 2026.

Born in Bastress Township on September 13, 1936, Sonny was the eldest son of Carl J. and Frances (Nau) Wenner. A devoted Roman Catholic, he was a lifelong member of Immaculate Conception of the BVM Catholic Church, where he served as an altar boy in his youth. He was a Knights of Columbus member for 68 years, including 55 years with Assembly #942, where he was a charter 4th Degree member.

Sonny graduated from Jersey Shore High School in 1954. At age 16, he began working for his father’s trucking company, hauling stone, coal, and railroad ties. In 1960, he worked as a welder at Vidmar for 10 years. He later co-founded and operated Eck & Wenner Inc. logging company beginning in 1970, running the business for a decade. Sonny then spent 20 years with the Williamsport Housing Authority, retiring as maintenance supervisor.

A proud American, Sonny served as a Specialist Four in the U.S. Army National Guard from September 1959 training in Fort Knox, KY until September 1962, and continued his service as Sergeant in the Army Reserves until September 1965. He received Honorable Discharges and was proud to say he served under three Presidents: Eisenhower, Kennedy, and Johnson.

On October 13, 1962, Sonny married his sweetheart, LuAnn Margaret (Bertin). They shared a beautiful life together until her passing on February 15, 2025.

Sonny loved the Nippenose Valley deeply and lived his entire life surrounded by its beauty. He dedicated himself to his community, serving as a Bastress Township supervisor for 48 years, always striving to make the Valley even better. In his youth, he helped plant thousands of trees, and in adulthood he paved and plowed countless roads throughout the Valley in service to his friends and neighbors. An avid outdoorsman and hunter, he obtained a hunting license every year since age 12 — except in 1959 when he entered the Army. He loved spending time with his brothers and members of the Morgan Valley Hunting Club, founded and built by his father in 1949.

Known for his quick wit, sharp mind, and remarkable memory, Sonny was a master storyteller who could command the attention of any room. He cherished “the good old days” and shared them with humor, warmth, and detail. To know Sonny was truly to love him.

Surviving are his children: Stephen Wenner (Liz Zimmers), Lori Scalleat, and Christopher Wenner (Amanda); his grandchildren, Johnathan, Joshua, and Jeremy; his sister, Lorraine Lorson; his brother, Ronald Wenner (Joyce); and in-laws Margaret “Margie” Wenner, Ronald P. Bertin (Barb), and David Bertin (Janice) and many nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents and wife, Sonny was preceded in death by their son, Michael David Wenner; brothers Donald, Robert (Joanne), and Harold; brother-in-law, James Lorson; nephew Craig Lorson; and son-in-law, James Scalleat.

Family and friends will be received at Crouse Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 133 E. 3rd St., Williamsport, on Monday, October 12, 2026, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, October 13, 2026, at Immaculate Conception of the BVM Catholic Church, 5973 Jacks Hollow Rd., Williamsport, PA 17702, with his pastor, Rev. Michael McCormick, officiating. Burial with military honors will follow in the church cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully suggests memorial contributions in Carl’s name be made to Immaculate Conception Church or to DCNR Keystone Tree Fund.