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John Wendel Obituary

David Wendel, beloved son, brother, uncle and friend, passed away after a short battle with colon cancer on April 1, 2013. He was 50 years and 14 days old.
David, Dave, and Davey, he answered to all three names, was born March 18, 1963 to John A. and Ursula Hilbert Wendel. He was raised in Bountiful and graduated from Viewmont High School in 1981. He served an honorable mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Quito, Ecuador. He attended Ricks College and graduated from BYU with a BS degree in Mathematics. He then attended the University of Utah and obtained a Masters degree in Mathematics.
His career included work for Eyring Research and Raytheon. He was currently an employee of L-3.
Dave was an accomplished writer. He published both technical articles and philosophical fiction. He always had a love of cars. He enjoyed ownership of a 1986 corvette and Delorean.
Dave's quiet service showedhis testimony of the Savior, Jesus Christ, and Dave's willingness to follow His example. Dave enjoyed serving in several Bishoprics. He loved the brotherhood he felt there. He was called to serve with the young men in the scouting program. He spent many hours tutoring students in Math, computer science and the art of living. We will miss his gentle wisdom, thoughtful understanding of the gospel and willingness to listen and serve.
He faithfully cared for his mother for 15 years after his father passed away.
Dave is survived by his mother, Ursula Wendel of Bountiful, Utah, his brother Ronald (Nora) of Layton, and his sister Sharon (Ralph) Cutler of Centerville, and 7 nieces and 6 nephews. He was preceded in death by his father John A Wendel.
The family would like to thank the amazing array of doctors, nurses and technicians that cared for him, and specifically the Liver Transplant team, at the University of Utah in his final days.
Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, April 5, 2013 at the Bountiful 58th Ward building, 200 North 200 West, Bountiful, Utah. Viewings will be held Thursday evening from 6-8 p.m. at Russon Brothers Bountiful Mortuary, 295 North Main and Friday morning 11:45 am - 12:45pm at the church prior to services. Online guest book at www.russonmortuary.com.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Salt Lake Tribune from Apr. 3 to Apr. 4, 2013.

Memories and Condolences
for John Wendel

Not sure what to say?





Love and sympathy to you all

Julie McKenzie

April 16, 2013

Ursula, Janet and Ronald: You may not remember me, but I remember your family sooooo well. All 3 of you kids were brilliant and from reading the tributes to Davey, it sounds like he excelled in math and humanity. My memories of him are of a really sweet kid who never got riled and was always smiling. Hold tight to your wonderful memories; they will sustain you through the hard times. I send my love and sympathy to you all. Love, Julie (Klein) McKenzie

Ed and Cheryll Brog

April 8, 2013

Oh Davey, isn't it just like you to go Home on April Fool's Day.

We are going to miss your company, the lively discussions, and the insights shared. May the Lord's peace and blessings be upon the family and friends you've left behind.

J Y

April 8, 2013

Dave was a good man. I will miss him as a coworker and friend. Hope to catch up with you in the next life, Dave.

Jon and Susan Leatham

April 7, 2013

We wish to send our condolences to the Wendel family. We're sorry for your loss of a wonderful son and brother. May your memories be consoling. Our love and sympathy, the Jon and Susan Leatham family.

Klancy De Nevers

April 7, 2013

Dave and I were office mates at Eyring and became friends in spite of differences in age, religion, you name it. We shared love of math and tech stuff. The world and his family has lost a good man.

Moses Escobar

April 6, 2013

Dave was a good quiet man, neighbor, and coworker (Raytheon). He was always looking at the positive attributes of others. May he rest in peace. My thoughts and prayers are with Dave's family and loved ones.

April 5, 2013

(From a friend)...Dave Wendel's obituary

One of my friends at work died on Monday …

(me back to my friend)
This is a tough one for me too.

Dave was so "open"/"no fear" with his thoughts and beliefs. He didn't hide anything. He shared everything. (He was so refreshing!)

I'm normally agnostic/atheist.

But,.., I hope we'll all see Dave again, and have a belly laugh about all of this.

But if not, .., at least we shared what we had for a few brief moments together.

Karen Webb

April 5, 2013

No words, just prayers and tears:

"O my God! O Thou forgiver of sins, bestower of gifts, dispeller of afflictions!

Verily, I beseech Thee to forgive the sins of such as have abandoned the physical garment and have ascended to the spiritual world.

O my Lord! Purify them from trespasses, dispel their sorrows, and change their darkness into light. Cause them to enter the garden of happiness, cleanse them with the most pure water, and grant them to behold Thy splendors on the loftiest mount."

Sandy Christensen

April 5, 2013

I worked with Dave at Eyring for about 10 years. He was always kind, respectful and helpful even though he was an amazing engineer and I was just a lowly writer. He also gave me one of his books because he knew I loved to read.

Andy Williams

April 5, 2013

Davey was a great friend in college. He was brilliant and had a great sense of humor. My sympathies and condolensces to his family.

Tricia Jones

April 5, 2013

Cousin David's smile and humor always brought joy to others. My condolences to my sweet Aunt Ursula, Cousin Ron, Cousin Sharon and all in their families.

Dave Wendel and the SH-2G crew.

April 5, 2013

Russell Reeve

April 4, 2013

So sorry to hear about Davey's passing. He was a good friend. We spent a lot of time together in high school, always had fun. My condolences to his family.

Skyler Anderson

April 4, 2013

Having only lived in the ward with "Davey" for the past 2 1/2 years, I'm grateful for the past year that I was able to get to know him in a small group setting through all our bishopric, PEC, and ward council meetings. Behind the sarcasm and wisecracks was a very sincere, genuine, and caring person. I am happy I was able to get to know that side of him and learn from his example before his passing. We love you, Davey! You will be missed.

Larry Trout

April 4, 2013

David and I have been having great lunch discussions with a group of friends at L-3 weekly and sometimes daily for most of the 9 years I have know him.

Sometimes we talked about the movies he would see most weekends, or about his delorean and corvette, other times we talked about religion, philosophy, and world events.

In the face of terrorist attacks against our country, he advocated loving our enemy and spreading the gospel. A true peacemaker.

He showed great concern and compassion for for those with chronic conditions and wanted us to be our brothers keeper.

He talked often about the time that he cherished spending with his nieces and nephews. I hope they look back on the example he was, and take forward lessons in life he shared with them.

Our circle of friends will miss his presence and voice. I will miss a good friend.

Laura Tietjen

April 4, 2013

I'm sorry to hear of Dave's passing. I went to High School with him, and I know he will be missed. My sympathies and best wishes to his family and friends.

Jim Stewart

April 4, 2013

Dave seemed to always have a smile on his face. Definitely one of the nicest people around L-3 and he will be missed. My condolences to his family.

Mark Burningham

April 4, 2013

Math classes at Bountiful Jr. and Viewmont were always more interesting with Davey in the room. When tests were returned it was common for him to say "oh garbage, I only got 99%." Kindness, wise and friendly describe just a few of his talents. My prayers go to his family and loved ones.

Becca Palmer

April 4, 2013

I served with Davey in ward council, and am really going to miss seeing him and hearing all his wisecracks. I will truly miss him.

Larry Trout

April 4, 2013

David and I have been having great lunch discussions with a group of friends at L-3 weekly and sometimes daily for most of the 9 years I have know him.

Sometimes we talked about the movies he would see most weekends, or about his delorean and corvette, other times we talked about religion, philosophy, and world events.

In the face of terrorist attacks against our country, he advocated loving our enemy and spreading the gospel. A true peacemaker.

He showed great concern and compassion for those with chronic conditions and wanted us to be our brothers keeper.

He talked often about the time that he cherished spending with his nieces and nephews. I hope they look back on the example he was, and take forward lessons in life he shared with them.

Our circle of friends will miss his presence and voice. I will miss a good friend.

Trina Auer North

April 4, 2013

I went to Viewmont High School with Davey. He was always nice, and wearing a smile. He will truly be missed. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends.

Dianne Shepherd

April 4, 2013

I've known Davy since I moved into the Ward nearly 21 years ago. He always seems to have a smile on his face. My heart goes out to his family and friends.

April 3, 2013

I have served with Davey in our ward for several years. He offered a different perspective on life that was insightful and refreshing. He knew and cared for everyone around him. He was a great man, willing to serve others at all times. He will be sorely missed by everyone in our ward and neighborhood. -Matt Chidester

Susan Fiscus

April 3, 2013

A beautiful tribute to a life well-lived. I have enjoyed reading more about Dave and what he has done since high school. He is an example to all of us. Love and prayers to all his family.

annette smith

April 3, 2013

I have known David many years through junior high and high school.Then reconnecting with him through a blind date. To taking care of his dad as cna
In all these years I have met a kinder person than Davey. He was an example of the savior he was well taught by his loving parents John and ursela
I am going miss him but I know he's with his dad. Ursela my prayers are with you.sincerely Annette wheeler Smith

Samuel Steed

April 3, 2013

I have known Dave for several years at L-3. He was very friendly and always had something humorous and witty to say. My condolences to his family who have lost a great man.

Michelle Marchant Johnson

April 3, 2013

I went to high school with Dave. I am so sorry to hear about his passing. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends. I know he will be greatly missed. Much love and many blessings to his family.

Roland Henrie

April 3, 2013

I worked with Dave at L-3. He was a great man and a good example to all of us. He was always quick with something funny to say, friendly, and had a positive outlook. We will miss his good spirit.

John Froelich

April 3, 2013

I only had the opportunity to know Dave for a few years, but I enjoyed every moment working with him at L-3. He had a wonderful sense of humor and was always willing to give of himself. My prayers are with you and your family.

April 3, 2013

We in the Flandro family were all saddened to hear about Davey. I remember his sweet spirit and gentle smile. I remember visiting with his Dad and how his Dad would get this big smile when he was listening to Davey talk to us. How happy they must be seeing each other again. Love, Neil and Carrie Flandro.

John Spencer

April 3, 2013

Having known Dave for 24 yrs, enjoying rides in the DeLorean and Corvette, discussing the Church, life, philosophy and work, I will greatly miss his sweet, gentle soul and his ability to always make me come away feeling at peace. May God take and keep you for ever Dave, and bring peace to your loved ones.

Lynn Averett

April 3, 2013

I worked with Dave at Eyring and L-3 and he was always great to be around. Dave will be missed. My thoughts and prayers are with his family.

Bob (Calbob) Witmer

April 3, 2013

I worked with Dave starting 22 years ago. We worked at all 3 shops together. He was my 'best man' when I got married. I am greatly saddened to see him go and will miss him greatly. He was a great guy.

Rand Denny

April 3, 2013

The world lost a brilliant man with Davey's passing. I graduated with him from Viewmont and will always remember how smart and kind he was. Love, comfort and prayers to all his loved ones.

Steve Jorgensen

April 3, 2013

What a great individual to have known. I enjoyed working with Dave at L-3 and Raytheon. But enjoyed mostly his companionship, humor, and perspectives on life. Dave was the kind of person you enjoyed spending time with in conversation. You always walk away with a better prespective on life.

April 3, 2013

Sincere love and sympathy from Ira and
Audrey parkes, family Mel, Ruth. Michael.
Judi and Ilene. Our prayers are with you

Laurie Larsen

April 3, 2013

I will miss Dave with all my heart. He has been a huge part of my life. I will no longer be able to save up tidbits about my life to share with him each Saturday. I will miss his wisdom and help with problems.
Dave I love you.

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Funeral services provided by:

Russon Brothers Mortuary - Bountiful

295 N. Main St., Bountiful, UT 84010

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