Herbert J. Wendling

1939 - 2017

INDEPENDENCE– Herbert J. Wendling, 77, of Independence, died Friday, Feb. 10, at the Regional Medical Center, Manchester.
Junior was born on August 24, 1939, in Independence, the son of Herbert G. and Christina A. (Weber) Wendling. He graduated from St. John's High School with the class of 1958, he then began farming with his father near Independence. On April 15, 1961, he was married to Fran A. Bellendier in Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Oelwein.
Farming was a big part of Junior's life only taking second place to his family who he dearly loved. He enjoyed woodworking, snowmobiling, and playing cards with his friends.
Junior is survived by his wife of 55 years, Fran Wendling; three daughters: Ann (Bob) Schnurr, Granger, Jane Jensen, Pleasant Hill, and Connie (Dr. John) Arend, Independence; four grandchildren; Joseph and Taylor Jensen, Ryan and Madison Arend; a brother, Louis (Shirley) Wendling, Independence; and a sister, Genevie Cannon, Colfax.
He was preceded in death by his parents and five sisters: Loretta Lillis, Mary O'Meara, Eleanor Laird, Irene Bagby, and Anna Sandey.
A funeral mass was held at 9 a.m. Monday at St. John's Catholic Church, Independence, with Rev. David Beckman officiating. Burial was at St. John's Catholic Cemetery, Independence. Friends called for visitation from 4 to 8 p.m. Sunday at the Reiff Funeral Home & Crematory, Independence.
Since farming and providing food to the people was a big part of Junior's life, he requested that in lieu of flowers that memorials or donations of food be made to the Independence Area Food Pantry, 201 2nd Ave NE, Independence, IA 50644, or to a charity of your own choice.
To leave an on-line condolence please go to www.reifffuneralhome.com under obituaries.