Obituary of Hans-Erik Wennberg, PhD

Hans, 78, of Elizabethtown, passed suddenly on 3/19/24 after several years of declining health. Proud of his Norwegian heritage, he was born in Mineola NY, the only child of the late Hans Jacob and Edith Junker Wennberg. He was the loving husband of Linda Wennberg and was looking forward to their 45^th anniversary next month.

Hans was raised in Rockville Centre NY, attending Worcester Tech and Hofstra before graduating from SUNY Geneseo and teaching middle school math and coaching wrestling in upstate NY. He later completed his M.Ed. at Temple University and his doctorate at UCONN. He worked at RI College then retired after 30 years at Elizabethtown College, first as Director of Instructional Services, and later teaching Communications, Graphic Design and Photography. He was an advisor to many and was delighted to be able to teach several of the children of his prior students. His students may recall that “A project is never complete, it simply comes due.” You can say that about life also.

Hans was very proud of his professional leadership in educational technology associations including AECT, ECT, IABC and particularly as a founding member of Association for Multi-Image International. Over the years, he photographed many students’ weddings and lots of basketball games for his good friend Coach David Possinger. He produced and was a consultant for media shows, had several photography exhibitions and later was often a judge for photo and business communication competitions.

Hans had been a member of Susquehanna Yacht Club, enjoying both sailboat and power boats (both named Uff Da, Norwegian for “Oops” which reflected our boating skills) until his health declined. Always social, he was never one to shy away from providing his opinion.  In later years, this was well-known to family as he provided a running commentary to his favorites on TV, particularly football, baseball and politics.

In addition to his wife, Hans is survived by his beloved children, Steven Wennberg, Melissa (Tony) Buhay as well as his mother-in-law Nancy Wright, all of Elizabethtown, and his faux sister Ellen Shields and family of Port Washington NY.

To honor Hans’ dedication to higher education, in lieu of flowers, please consider a contribution to Elizabethtown College Scholarship Foundation, 1 Alpha Dr. Elizabethtown, PA 17022 or at etown.edu/give (in memory of).

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, June 1, 2024 at 12:00 PM at the Susquehanna Room on the Campus of Elizabethtown College, 1 Alpha Drive, Elizabethtown.  There is no public viewing.  The family will receive guests that Saturday from 11:00 AM until the time of the service.  To express a condolence with the family or for additional information, visit www.spencefuneralservices.com.  To view a livestream of the service, please visit https://my.gather.app/remember/hans-erik-wennberg.