Howard Duane Wendel

CLEAR LAKE - The funeral service of Howard Duane Wendel, 66, of the Oakwood Care Center was held at 10 a.m. on Saturday, April 8, 2006, at the Major Erickson Funeral Home, 111 N. Pennsylvania Ave.

The Rev. Jim Allarel of the Church of Christ in Clear Lake officiated. Interment was in Memorial Park Cemetery.

Visitation was held from 5 to 8 p.m. Friday, April 7, 2006, at the Major Erickson Funeral Home.

Memorials may be directed to the Howard D. Wendel Memorial Fund.

Howard, a twin, was born to Harold and Liola (Kilfoil) Wendel on Dec. 6, 1939, in Mason City. He attended Mason City schools and farmed, making his home on the family farm. In 1958, he married Linda Niver. Howard loved farming and his family. All who knew him know that he had a quick smile for things he loved.

For the last 10 years, Howard had lived at Opportunity Village, first at Four Season Cottage for nine years and then at Pioneer Cottage. The residents and staff of Opportunity Village played an important part in Howard's life, giving him friendship, care and a place he called home. Due to his failing health, he recently moved to the Oakwood Care Center.

Howard is survived by his children, Steven Wendel of Mason City, Robin Wendel of Mason City; six grandchildren; brothers, Harold Wendel and wife, Doris, of Mason City, George Wendel and wife, Jeannine, of Mason City, Jerry Wendel and wife, Iris, of Mason City, Clifford Wendel and wife, Della, of Charles City, and Thomas Wendel and wife, Sharon, of Waterloo; sisters, Lila Perry of Scottsdale, Ariz., Mary Baker and Chaplain Jerry Baker of Mason City, Loyola "Sherry" Bohnsack of Mason City, Paula Chambers and husband, John, of Waterloo.

Howard was preceded in death by his parents, an infant brother, Wilbur, and sister, Juanita Johnson.

Major Erickson Funeral Home & Crematory, (641) 423-0924.

www.majorericksonfuneralhome.com.