Lawrence 'Tink' Wonderlin, community activist
Lawrence W. Wonderlin, affectionately known as "Tink," of Rehoboth Beach, passed away peacefully at the age of 87 Wednesday, Jan. 8, 2014, at his home surrounded by his loving family. He was born in Camden, N.J. March 10, 1926, son of the late Harry F. and Freda (Schlotz) Wonderlin.
Mr. Wonderlin honorably served in the U.S. Army during World War II. Following his service, he began his career with Public Service Electric and Gas Company, holding numerous positions, and after 37 devoted years, he retired as a group supervisor in 1988. Formerly from Pennsauken, N.J., Mr. Wonderlin with his family relocated to Sussex County in 1987. He was a devout Catholic, attending St. Peter's Catholic Church in Pennsauken and after relocation became a loyal parishioner at St. Edmond Catholic Church. He was also very active in the Knights of Columbus 3512 in Camden and a life member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars.
He was an active bicyclist, who received several medals from the national and Delaware Senior Olympics Organization for Bicyclists. He also enjoyed many hours sailing and surf fishing in the beautiful waters of Delaware. He was a jokester at heart and all who knew him looked forward to his joke of the day.
He was extremely outgoing, a great public speaker and always portrayed a leadership personality. These traits allowed him to become a chairman of MS Society in Pennsauken and federations chief of YMCA Indian Guides Program. He also held a position on the board of directors for the Camden City YMCA. While residing in Delaware, he became the first president of Sussex County Sierra Club and was a past chairman of the Citizens Monitoring Committee of Delaware Inland Bays Program. He was also a long time member of the League of American Wheelman (L.A.W) and Rehoboth Beach Lions Club.
Mr. Wonderlin’s was a loving and devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and a dear friend, whose many teachings and examples will be cherished and used by all who knew him.
In addition to his parents, Mr. Wonderlin was preceded in death by his sister, Dorothy Egan; his brothers: Harry and Leroy Wonderlin; and his late wife, Dorothy I. (Kelly) Wonderlin. He is survived by his loving wife of 47 years, Bernadine (Morton) Wonderlin; his daughter, Debbie Marie Cleavenger and her husband Gregory Soikowski of Hollywood, Md.; his two sons: David L. Wonderlin of Westminster, Md. and Dean R. Wonderlin of Rehoboth Beach; his grandson, Kyle R. Cleavenger of Morgantown, W.Va.; his brother, Eugene Wonderlin and his wife Charlotte of Pennsauken; his numerous nieces, nephews and dear friends; and his beloved black lab mix, Nala.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held Thursday, Jan. 16, at 11 a.m. at St. Edmond Catholic Church, 409 King Charles Ave., Rehoboth Beach, where friends may call beginning at 10 a.m. Interment will be announced at a later date in New Jersey. Arrangements are being handled by Parsell Funeral Homes & Crematorium, Lewes.
Memorial contributions may be made in Mr. Wonderlin's memory to Delaware Hospice, 100 Patriots Way, Milford, DE 19963, and/or Rehoboth Beach Lions Club, P.O. Box 291, Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971.
