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BORN
1943
DIED
2012
FUNERAL HOME
Wendell Cantwell Obituary
Wendell Wayne Cantwell, 68, of Belleville, Ill., born March 5, 1943, in Hampton, Iowa, passed away Saturday, Feb. 11, 2012, at his residence.
Mr. Cantwell was a retired coal miner. He was a member of the United Mine Workers of America, Local 2412, where he had served two terms as president. He also served as Dive Master with the Cahokia Underwater Rescue & Recovery Team and had worked in underwater construction in Florida. Wendell was a U.S. Air Force veteran. He loved the outdoors, camping, canoe trips, and motorcycle trips. He was an avid gun collector whose past included saddle-breaking horses and barrel racing. He was a family man who lived a full life.
Wendell was preceded in death by his parents, Ben and Donnabelle, nee Brewster, Cantwell; a sister, Meredith Barrios; and a son-in-law, Tom Generous.
Surviving are his beloved wife of 50 years, Geraldine, nee Martin, Cantwell, whom he married March 3, 1962; three loving daughters, Kalean Generous, Kimberly (Ray) Vocker, and Kiann (Kent) McDonald, all of Belleville, Ill.; four grandchildren, Adam Richard McDonald, Nathan Kent McDonald, Darian Rae Vocker, and Morgan Rennee Vocker; a great-grandson, Jordan Michael McDonald; two brothers, Patrick (Christa) Cantwell, and Ron (Lorena) Cantwell, both of Dallas, Texas; and many loving nieces, nephews, family, and friends.
Memorials may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.rennerfh.com.
Visitation: Friends may call from 4 to 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 14, 2012, at George Renner & Sons Funeral Home, Freeburg, Ill.
Funeral: Funeral services will be held at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 14, 2012, at the funeral home, with the Rev. Gary Byers officiating. Private family burial will be held at a later date.
GEORGE RENNER & SONS FUNERAL HOME, Freeburg, Ill.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Wendell Cantwell
4 Entries
Debra Bauer-Rothschild
February 15, 2012
Wendy was an outstanding man - he leaves behind a legacy for his family full of love and memories. I remember his stories, the excitement he had when he bought a new gun......most of all I remember his love for his wife. May God Bless you all.
stan
February 14, 2012
I worked with Wendy at Marissa Mine for several years. He was a good man and a wonderful friend throughout. There will be an empty space now; however, I'm sure he's resting in peace. My thoughts and prayers are with his family.
February 14, 2012
Dear Kiann, Kent, and family, please know that we are deeply sorry for your loss. The world lost a good man, and we know he will be greatly missed. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Love,
Dave & Char
February 14, 2012
W. W. & I worked at the River King mine in Freeburg in the 50s.
Used to ride bikes together & I remember the time he fell near Shiloh & broke his leg in2 places.
He was a good buddy & it will be lonely without him.
Elmer Gusttadd-belleville
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Funeral services provided by:
Renner Funeral Homes - Freeburg206 South Richland Street, Freeburg, IL 62243
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