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Don Alden Wagenheim "Wiggy," age 84, of Wheeling, passed away at Liza's Place on October 11, 2023. He was born on March 18, 1939, the son of the late Herbert Charles Wagenheim and Virginia Myers Wagenheim.
Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by his daughter, Lisa M. Winkel of Florida, and his brother Herbert M. Wagenheim of Alabama.
He is survived by his loving wife, Linda, of 22 years. Two daughters, Kristin L. Coda (Duane) of New Jersey, and Annie Morgan (Rick) of Wheeling; three grandchildren, Emerson Coda, Maxwell Morgan, and Rylee Morgan; and his sister in law, Jane Wagenheim of Alabama.
Mr. Wagenheim was a graduate of Linsly Military Institute in 1957. He attended Washington and Lee University and received his B.A. Degree from Bethany College, where he was a member of Beta Theta Pi fraternity.
In 1962, he joined the United States Army Reserve. He served as Commanding Officer of the 312th Medical Company, Wheeling, until his discharge in 1968 as a 1st Lt.
He began his career in January 1962 at H.E. Neumann Company (a leading provider of commercial, industrial, and residential mechanical contracting services serving West Virginia, Ohio, and Pennsylvania). In 1977, he became the company's president, followed by chief executive officer, before retiring as chairman of the board in July 2014. He served H.E. Neumann Company for more than 52 years and led the company through decades of continuous innovation and substantial growth.
In September 2010, Mr. Wagenheim, a life-long Republican, was appointed by West Virginia Governor Joe Manchin to an eight-member Judicial Vacancy Advisory Commission to help the Office of the Governor evaluate and fill judicial vacancies in the state's Supreme Court of Appeals and other state courts. Mr. Wagenheim was selected to represent the northern panhandle of West Virginia for a six-year term. He subsequently was named again to serve two more terms under Governor Earl Ray Tomblin and Governor Jim Justice.
Throughout his lifetime, he devoted himself to a multitude of organizations, assuming various roles as a member, board member, and chairman, and in doing so, became an integral part of their successes. These include: Wheeling Area Chamber of Commerce (president), WV Chamber of Commerce (board member), Wheeling Festival Corporation/ Festival of Lights (chairman), Ohio Valley Medical Center (board of trustees), Blue Cross Blue Shield of Northern WV (board chairman), Salvation Army Advisory Board (vice chairman), Security National Bank (board member), Ohio Valley Construction Employers Council (vice president and board member), WV Plumbing, Heating and Cooling Contractors Association (president), WV Pipe Trades Health and Welfare Fund (trustee), Ohio County Building Commission (chairman), Upper Ohio Valley United Way (board member), and Ohio County Unit of the American Cancer Society (member).
His affiliations through the years have included the BPOE, Rotary Club, Scottish Rite Bodies, Osiris Shriners, Royal Order of the Jesters, the YMCA, and Wheeling Country Club. He regularly supported numerous philanthropic and civic organizations including Easter Seals, Oglebay Institute, and countless others.
He was a beloved figure in Wheeling; an individual whose infectious spirit, enthusiasm for life, and extraordinary ability to forge lasting relationships touched the hearts of everyone he encountered. He loved his lunch buddies. He enjoyed seeing them daily and joined them until he was no longer able. His kindness, compassion, and generosity knew no bounds. His absence will be deeply felt, but the memories of him as a loving husband, father, grandfather, and friend will live on in our hearts.
Family and Friends will be received at Kepner Funeral Home - Woodsdale, National Road, on Friday, October 13 from 12:00- 2:00 p.m. and 4:00 - 6:00 p.m.
A funeral service will be held at Kepner Funeral Home - Woodsdale, National Road, on Saturday, October 14, beginning at 11:00 a.m. with Reverend Jacob Steele officiating, followed by interment at Greenwood Cemetery, Wheeling.
A Celebration of Life will be held at the convenience of the family.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the charity of your choice.
Personal condolences may be offered to the family at www.kepnerfuneral. com