Robert Wenger

Robert “Bob” C. Wenger, 77, of Hilliard, OH passed away unexpectedly on Sunday July 6, 2025 at Mt Carmel Grove City Hospital. He was born in Dayton, OH to parents Robert C. Wenger and Eleanor Wenger. He met his wife Gail Delap Wenger at the University of Dayton; UD holds a special place in their hearts to this day. He graduated from dental school at Ohio State University, completed his residency at Children’s Hospital in Columbus, and was board-certified in pediatric dentistry. They made their home in the area ever since. 

The protector of his family, he would do anything for those he held close. This was especially true as a husband, seen with his deep love and dedication to his wife, Gail. He loved surprising Gail with thoughtful gifts and memorable trips, filling their home with photos and treasures from their many adventures. From boating throughout a large part of their lives together, to RV-ing later in life, he and Gail deeply enjoyed seeing new places together, and revisiting their favorites.

Bob had a deep love for sharing his passions with others—especially his family. He fished with his father, built model train sets and remote-control cars and boats with his sons, and created stained glass art for Gail and his parents. He cultivated backyard ponds filled with lilies, kept intricate saltwater fish tanks, and later in life found joy in building and flying model airplanes. His enthusiasm for life was expansive, and he was always eager to explore something new.

As a pediatric dentist, Bob served generations of families in the Columbus area with compassion and care, as well as working with Memorial Hospital in Marysville to provide dental care and education to children in the surrounding area. After retiring, he served on the board of Memorial Hospital. He was a dedicated mentor, respected colleague, and cherished friend to many in his professional community. 

Bob is survived by his beloved wife of 51 years, Gail Wenger; sons Scott (Allison) Wenger of Galloway, Ohio and Michael (Nicole) Wenger of Erie, CO; granddaughters Rebecca and Megan Wenger (Galloway, OH) and grandson Alex Wenger (Erie, CO); sister Gail Wirtanen of Weatherford, TX; sister-in-law Ann Delap (Debary, FL); and nieces Sandy Wirtanen and Susie (Devon) Diggs and nephew Thomas Delap.

He is preceded in death by his parents Robert and Eleanor Wenger, brother-in-law Rob Delap and niece Emily Delap. 

A public celebration of life will be held at Tidd Funeral Home 5265 Norwich St, Hilliard, OH 43026 on Monday, July 14th from 5–7 pm. A funeral Mass will be held at St Timothy Roman Catholic Church 1088 Thomas Ln Columbus, OH 43220 on Tuesday July 15th at 10:30 am.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be sent to the Wenger Family Scholarship that Bob and Gail established at the University of Dayton at your.udayton.edu/tribute or by mailing a check to UD Advancement, 300 College park, Dayton OH 45469-7056 (in the memo line please reference the Wenger Family Scholarship), or to the Memorial Health Foundation with “Dr. Robert Wenger” in the check memo line and mailed to 500 London Avenue, Marysville, OH 43040.