Peter Wiant WENDLER

WENDLER Peter Wiant Peter Wiant Wendler died from cardiac arrest October 17, 2011, at St. Luke's Hospital. Peter was born. April 27, 1932, to Anne (Wiant) and Willis J. Wendler, Fremont, Ohio. He attended Fremont Schools until 1947, graduating from Gibsonburg High School in 1950. Pete majored in Business Administration at the Ohio State University, where he was a member of Beta Theta Pi fraternity and met his future wife Marilyn (Marty) Van Voorhis. He left OSU after his sophomore year to enter the Naval Aviation Officers Flight Training Program in Pensacola, Florida. After marrying in 1954, the couple relocated to Jacksonville, Florida, while Pete flew hurricane reconnaissance missions. A member of the original squadron of famed "Hurricane Hunters," Pete was the youngest officer to achieve the rank of Plane Commander in his Airborne Early Warning VW4 Squadron. In 1957 Pete completed degrees in business administration, marketing, and advertising at OSU. Later, he joined his father in business at the National School of Meat Cutting in Toledo. The only educational enterprise of its type at the time, the school retained an international student-body, with close relationships with numerous culinary institutions and grocery concerns. Initially the co-owner, registrar, and director of the Home Study Course, Pete's involvement eventually lead to co-ownership of the school's Toledo location and Kurtz Market, a Toledo downtown landmark. Pete served as chairman of the local Beta Theta Pi Toledo area alumni club and was an active member of the Toledo JayCees. After a short-lived early retirement in the mid 1980's, his passion for boating inadvertently lead to a new career in the marine business with Lakeside and North Harbor Marinas, ultimately accepting a position with Bodette Marine Supply of Toledo. A Maumee resident since 1959, Pete served on Maumee City Council, the Maumee Plan Commission, and the Maumee Administrative board for 22 years, 18 of which as chair. He was chairman of the Citizens Committee for Schools, President of Union School PTA, and a founder of the Old Maumee Association. Memberships include: the American Legion Post 333, Quality of Life Committee, Maumee Valley Historical Society, Ohio History Society; Maumee Valley Heritage Corridor, The Toledo Country Club (past) and St. Paul's Episcopal Church. A member of the Navy Hurricane Hunters Association, he continued to follow the paths of every hurricane with great interest. Above all, he was the quintessential family man whose greatest enjoyment was spending time with his grandchildren and walking his golden retrievers. Pete is survived by his wife, Marty: daughters, Laura Schneider (Kevin) and the Reverend Melissa Steinecker (Robert); son, Andrew (Leigh); and his seven grandchildren and one great grandchild. His brother, Dr. Willis J. Wendler, preceded him in death. A Memorial Service will be held at 1:30 p.m. on Saturday, October 22, at St. Paul's Episcopal Church Maumee, OH, the Reverend J. Paul Board. There will be a reception held at the church immediately following the memorial service. The family will greet friends on Friday, October 21, from 3:00 - 6:00 at St. Paul's Episcopal Church. Arrangements are being handled by the Marsh Funeral, Luckey, OH. Considerations for memorial contributions are: St. Paul's Episcopal Church or Maumee Valley Historical Society. Those wishing to express a word of encouragement, share a memory or photo may do so at www.marshfuneralhomes.com