Wenger Manufacturing announced the passing of LaVon Wenger on December 29, 2024. He was 89. LaVon was the son of Lou Wenger, one of the company’s original founders.

LaVon began his career at Wenger Manufacturing in 1955 after studying engineering at Kansas State University. In 1977, he was named president and led the company, along with his cousin Don, to achieve significant success and global reputation. Through the years, LaVon used his intuition and foresight to develop numerous innovations for extrusion cooking technology – especially for pet food processing. LaVon is the inventor on 44 US patents.

LaVon lived his entire life in the town of Sabetha, Kansas USA. This is where Wenger Manufacturing was founded in 1935 and continues as the company’s global headquarters today. For decades, LaVon dedicated his time and talents to various community organizations to help Sabetha and neighboring towns become great places to live, work, and raise a family.

Scott Krebs, president of Wenger Group, said, “LaVon’s fingerprints are evident each day in the various solutions used by Wenger customers around the world. Many of his pioneering concepts over the years have become today’s industry standards. His legacy continues to provide an example for us to be caring, fair, and respectful toward others. We are truly blessed to have known and worked with such a wonderful person and we extend our deepest sympathies to the Wenger family.”