"Dear Ryan and Jason, I don't expect you to remember me but I remember you. Many years ago, I lived directly behind your family in Whittemore. I remember one day, your mom and I were mowing our backyards at the same time and we smiled and waved as we mowed. I didn't get the opportunity to get to know your mom like I did your dad because she was taken so suddenly. Your dad was a good man with a good heart. He loved you boys and wanted nothing more than to be the best father and provider to you both that he could possibly be. I am so very sorry for your loss. You have suffered a lot of tragedy in your lives but I hope that will you find comfort in the fact that your dad is free from the confines of his disease and happy to be with your mom again. You have my deepest sympathies and I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers."
In loving memory of
Robert "Bob" Wendel
April 28, 1953 - March 15, 2015
Robert "Bob" Leo Wendel was born April 28, 1953, in Austin, Minnesota, the son of Bernard and Juletta (Bissen) Wendel. He grew up in Chester, Iowa, and attended school in Cresco and graduated from the Cresco High School in 1971. Bob then attended Rochester Junior College for a year before going on to Gem City College in Quincy, Illinois, where he studied watch making and jewelry. He then worked at Sara Lee in New Hampton, Iowa where he met his future wife.
On July 29, 1978, Bob was united in marriage to Connie Cochran in Jerico, Iowa. After their marriage they lived in Algona for a short time before settling in Whittemore. He worked as a jeweler at Wiltgen's Jewelry for 15 years. Bob was later diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis in the late 1980's and battled the disease with everything he had. He was later forced to retire.
Bob enjoyed sports and playing softball while his health still allowed. He was a huge Green Bay Packers fan and loved to care for his dogs, Benji and Timber. He was a member of St. Michael's Parish, Holy Name and a past member of the Elk's Club.
Bob died Sunday, March 15, 2015, with his son's at his side, at the Mercy Medical Center North Iowa in Mason City, Iowa. He was 61.
He is survived by his two sons, Ryan Wendel of Mankato, Minnesota; Jason and Michaela Wendel of Whittemore; his father, Bernard Wendel of Chester; brothers, Mike and Karen Wendel of Chester; Jeff and Pam Wendel of Chester and several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his mother, Juletta; wife, Connie on September 26, 1984; sister and brother-in-law, Louise and Mike Bowron; mother-in-law and father-in-law, Hazel and Oliver Cochran.
Tributes
"I am so sorry to hear of Bob's passing. I am sure you boys don't remember, but I babysat quite often when you were little. I always thought your dad was such a nice guy. He and my mom worked together at Wiltgen's for many years. He is healthy and strong again now, and so happy to be with your mom. She was one of the nicest people I ever met, by the way. All my sympathy."
"I'm so sorry about your father's death, he is in Heaven with your mother, and that is a wonderful place. I have not seen Bob for awhile, but when I lived in Whittemore your father was one of my best friends. I remember one time we went somewhere and people were dancing, and he said I wish I could dance again, so I put to chairs out on the dance floor, and we chair danced. I have great memories of your father. My prayers are with you. Sheree"
"My deepest sympathies to Ryan, Jason and all of Bob's family. The last time I visited with him at the Manor he was eager to hear all about Whittemore and the people he knew there. He always had a smile on his face and I always felt good after a visit with him. He will be missed."
"One day when I was leaving church Bob and I had some time to talk. He mentioned a song by Blood, Sweat and Tears and sang a few of the verses.....I'm not scared of dying and I don't really care. If it's Peace you find in dying let that dying time be near. If it's Peace you find in dying let that dying time be near, just bundle up my coffin cause it's cold way down there baby it's cold way down there. Crazy cold way down there. And when I die and when I'm gone..there will be one child born in this world to carry on to carry on!!! I hope you have found your Peace my friend!"
"Ryan, Jason, and Family - So very sorry to hear about Uncle Bob's passing. Despite his difficulties these last years, every time that I saw him, he always seemed to have a smile on his face and something funny to say. I know how proud he was of both of you, and how much he meant to you. I am so glad you guys were able to take that family trip last summer/fall to northern Minnesota - great memories to keep in your hearts. May the thoughts and prayers of many help to be a comfort to you at this time. -Nolan"