Robert Wendt

Wendt, Robert "Bob" E.

Robert "Bob" E. Wendt, 92, of Fond du Lac, went to his heavenly home on Thursday, September 18, 2014. He passed away in the care of his loving family and Hospice Hope.

He was born on June 19, 1922, in Pine River, Wisconsin, a son of Friedrich Wilhelm and Ella Helena Amalia Henschel Wendt. He was baptized on July 9, 1922 and confirmed on May 26, 1935.

At the age of 20, Bob entered military service with the United States Army in the 7th Company, 290th Infantry. He served in Africa, Italy, France, Sicily, Austria, Belgium, and Germany. He sailed on the Queen Mary from New York City to Casablanca. He was involved in the Southern France Invasion, Belgium Bulge, and transported officers throughout Europe, while serving under General George S. Patton.

On December 8, 1946, he married Esther A. Reetz at Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church in Neshkoro, Wisconsin. Shortly thereafter, they moved to Fond du Lac where they resided all their married life.

In 1956, Bob founded Wendt's Auto Body with his brother, Garritt. He always loved his occupation, retiring in 1988. During his retirement, he enjoyed helping his wife, Esther, with her business, National Flagpole, offering advice and help with flagpole installations.

Bob was a member of Faith Evangelical Lutheran Church, Fond du Lac, and served as an usher and greeter for many years.

He was a member of American Legion Trier Puddy Post 75, the Izaak Walton League for over 50 years, and a charter member of the Fond du Lac Area Auto Body Association. Bob participated in the Honor Flight to Washington D.C. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, and traveling with his wife, Esther, gardening, Friday night fish frys, and meeting his many friends at Boda's for coffee. Bob exhibited, in all he did, a love of God, family, and his country. His sense of humor, optimism, and stories will continue to be treasured by many.

He is survived by his loving wife of 67 years, Esther; three children: Gloria (Les) Schneider, Gary Wendt (Sally Muehlius), and Russ ( Mary Muehlius) Wendt; six grandchildren: Jennifer (Greg) Meltz, Kim Schneider, Chad (Ashley) Wendt, Brett (Leslie) Wendt, Lori (Greg) Kraus and Pam (Ryan) Gross; eight great-grandchildren: Hannah and Ethan Meltz, Stellan and Claesson Wendt, Ashley, Abbey, and Alex Kraus and Kaden Gross; one brother: Forrest D. (Daveine) Wendt; two brothers-in-law: Erich Reetz of Princeton and Alvin (Sonja) Reetz of Santa Cruz, California; four sisters-in-law: Viola Raasch of Littleton, Colorado, Edna Werth of Buhl, Idaho, Lorraine Schultz of Fond du Lac, and Melita (Larry) Ellingson of McCallsburg, Iowa; 32 nieces and nephews, many cousins, aunts, and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; three brothers: Sylvester, Garritt, and Gordon; three sisters-in-law: Linda Wendt, Effie Wendt, and Arlene Wendt.

The funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, September 25, 2014, at Faith Evangelical Lutheran Church, 55 North Prairie Road, Fond du Lac, with Rev. David Haugly officiating.

The visitation will be from 4:00 - 8:00 p.m. on Wednesday, September 24, 2014, at Mach Funeral Chapel & Crematory, 31 East Division Street, Fond du Lac, and on Thursday at church from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service.

Burial will follow in Ledgeview Memorial Park with military rites being conducted.

Memorials may be directed to Faith Lutheran Church, Winnebago Lutheran Academy, and Hospice Home of Hope.

The family extends their thanks to all Bob's caregivers, Dr. Douglas Fownes, Dr. Punit Kumar, Pastor David Haugly, Pastor Michael Weigand, Pastor Mark Parsons, and all the hospice nurses and aides.

Mach Funeral Chapel & Crematory is serving the family, www.machfuneralchapel.com.