John Wendt Jr.

WENDT, JOHN A.F., JR., ESQ. John A.F. Wendt, Jr., Esq., 1921 - 2002. A lone bugler played Taps as John A.F. Wendt, Jr. was laid to rest with full military honors amid the white crosses at Arlington National Cemetery on Thursday, August 15, 2002. A veteran whose courageous service to his country earned him the Silver Star, Bronze Star and Purple Heart medals, Wendt served as a captain in the armys elite 11th airborne unit in the Pacific theater during World War II and the Korean War. In addition to serving his country, John Wendt served the people of Colorado as a judge and district attorney. His distinguished legal career began in 1951 upon his graduation from the University of Colorado. During his undergraduate years at the University of Michigan, John played football prior to graduating with honors. John loved the practice of law, and remained active as an attorney until his death. He served on the Board of Directors of the Colorado Bar Association for several years. His other passions in life included horses, and cooking for his family and for the many friends who were privileged to share his life. He was a master of foxhounds, and a founder of Roaring Fork Hounds. He devoted countless hours to Pony Club, an organization that teaches horsemanship to children. He not only served on the board of governors of the United States Pony Club, but also cared enough to ensure that every child in his local club had a mount. Johns life was a source of great joy and entertainment to all who knew him, and his cooking ability became a source of local legend. Whether preparing a foxhound brunch for 75 famished hunters, a bar association meal for 50, an intimate dinner with friends, or the traditional weekend breakfast with his son John Wendt, III, each meal was an occasion of epicurean delight. Like the fine champagne he enjoyed and savored, John lived a life both effervescent and full. He will be greatly missed by friends near and far. He is survived by his sons, John, III of Orchard City, and Eric of Highlands Ranch, and by his daughters, Wendy of Grand Junction and Hilary of London, England. He is also survived by his brother, Ambassador Allan Wendt of Washington, D.C. In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes donations to the Cedaredge High School Scholarship, c/o of Surface Creek Bank, or to the United States Pony Club in Lexington, Kentucky. Condolences may be sent to the family at the online memorial: www.mesaview.net. Funeral arrangements were handled by Mesa View Mortuary-Cemetery in Delta, Colorado.