Obituary of Richard K. Wagenblast

Wagenblast, Richard K. 83, of St. Petersburg, passed away Tuesday, August 30, 2011, at Hospice House Woodside. Mr. Wagenblast was born April 3, 1928 in Hammond, IN, to Calvin and Dorothy (Ohr) Wagenblast, both of whom preceded him in death. Mr. Wagenblast earned a Bachelor's degree in Physics from the Illinois Institute of Technology in Chicago. He was a Veteran of the United States Army, having served in a forward MASH unit in Korea. In his professional life, he worked in Ohio, Indiana and Florida; for 29 years he served as an engineer at the K-25 National Laboratory in Oak Ridge, TN. During his time in Oak Ridge, Dick was an active member of the United Church Chapel on the Hill where he volunteered on many charitable and community projects. He was also active in St. Petersburg at Pilgrim Congregational United Church of Christ. Dick's hobbies included fishing in northern Wisconsin and reading especially about the Korean Conflict. Throughout his life, Dick was a passionate advocate for those less fortunate and in his volunteer work, he devoted himself to bettering their lives. The family requests that memorial contributions be directed toward Suncoast Hospice or either of his two churches. Survivors include his wife, Ethel (McDaniel) Wagenblast; sons Gary (Yvonne) Wagenblast of Michigan City, IN and Brian Wagenblast of St. Petersburg; grandchildren Eric and Christine Wagenblast; brother Jerry Wagenblast of Valparaiso, IN; sisters in law Irene Wagenblast of Highland, IN and Jane McDaniel of Lynwood, IL; and many cousins, nieces and nephews. Dick was preceded in death by daughter Karen Jean Lawson, brother Ronald Wagenblast, and sister in law Sharon Wagenblast. ALifeTribute FuneralCare - Gulfport