Wade J. Moening

It is with great sadness that Kimberly and Joshua announce the passing of Wade J. Moening on April 6, 2022 at The Kobacker House in Columbus, Ohio. Wade was born July 8, 1962, and was 59 at the time of his passing. He had been battling with ALS for over two and one half years when he was called home. Wade was preceded in death by his father, William J. Moening; his mother, Nancy A. (Osborne) Moening; his older brother, Eric; along with grandparents, aunts and uncles. Wade is survived by his wife, Kimberly (Burks) of almost 19 years, though friends for 31; son, Joshua; brother, Todd (Donna) Moening and many nieces, nephews, aunt and numerous cousins. 

Wade loved to play a good game of chess, to shoot pool, and won several chess trophies. He loved all things outdoors, especially camping, fishing, boating, swimming and four-wheeling. Wade had a passion for bird and squirrel watching. During his time with ALS, he loved to use his drone and taught himself how to use his feet to fly. Maggie and Bailey, the family dogs, greatly enjoyed their daily rides with Wade on his wheelchair.

Wade was a devout practicing Catholic and a member of St. Cecelia Catholic Church. The family would like to thank the Priests and congregation of St. Cecelia the for their comforting visits and prayers that were provided. The family was also part of a small Christian Bible group made up of friends from several churches. This group took in our family and made us part of their own. These friendships and relationships have carried us through our darkest times, and will remain part of us forever. 

Wade was raised in Lima, Ohio and graduated from Shawnee High School. Following graduation, he joined his older brother in becoming an electrician, working in California and Texas before settling in Columbus, Ohio. Wade had a career goal to join the electrical union trade, IBEW Local 683. He worked for The Superior Group for over 20 years, and was noted to be a true craftsman of his trade. He was a BX Craftmanship Award winner, with the OSU SCCP and the OSU ECCP being two of his last notable projects that he helped lead. Wade had a very meticulous mind set and excelled in controls and the industrial side of his work. Wade spent his last year of employment with TSG sharing many of his important qualities with the young apprentice employees just coming into the trade. He shared with them his personal kindness, knowledge of the trade, as well as many life skills in a very engaging manner. Wade was passionate to teach, leaving a long-term impression on many of those that were able to get to know him during that time. He truly loved his TSG family, and they have been an amazing support to the family well before and long after Wade’s diagnosis. 

Many of you know that Wade was officially diagnosed with Lou Gehrig's Disease in September 2019, one year after the onset of symptoms. He was determined to do everything he could to battle the disease. Wade was the first person to enroll in the Healy platform trial for ALS at OSU, and even started a second round of a new trial drug. He was also the first to learn eye drivability at OSU through the wheelchair clinic. Wade had a strong working relationship with his therapy team at OSU, contributing with his electronics background. The family would like to thank everyone at the OSU ALS clinic for Wade’s care. 

Wade became a patient of OhioHealth Hospice close to two years after his diagnosis. At the same time, we also added a new caregiver, Tonia. This relationship quickly became solid, and we had a new family member. The team that came together and provided his care, was some of the best Ohio has to offer. Hospice respected Wade’s wishes, provided assistance to preserve his dignity, and allowed him to have quality of life for six more months. We could not have been in better hands. ALS is not a diagnosis of just one person, but rather the whole family. Kim and Josh were treated with compassion by hospice so that we could survive and live with our memories of Wade and his amazing life that he provided for us. Wade always saw the good in everything and everyone. He never once complained about his disease, but was thankful he had it, and not someone else. Wade had a twinkle in his eye that was magical and noticed by everyone in his presence. 

A Catholic Mass for Wade will be held at noon on Saturday, May 21, 2022 at St. Joseph Catholic Church 822 Barclay Street in Marblehead, Ohio, where Wade and Kim were married. Following Mass, Wade will be placed at Lakeside Memorial Garden. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that any donations be made to Team Gleason Foundation PO Box 24493 New Orleans, LA 70184, or Kobacker House 800 McConnell Dr. Columbus, Oh 43214. 

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