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Gary Wendt Obituary
Gary Reuben (Gus) Wendt, born 01 March 1941, was the second child of Gerhardt and Meta Wendt. He was a graduate of Waukesha High School where he met his wife Rita, whom he married in 1958. Together for almost 60 years, they raised four children: Mary, Marjorie, Marsha and Gene, and have 10 grandchildren.
Gus shared his love of sports with his children, teaching them layups and how to throw a softball, and attended as many of their sports events during school years as he could. He loved jokes- the cornier, the better, and was so happy when grandchildren came along so a new generation could hear them. For many years, he and Rita traveled extensively with their friends the Labinskis, Meskes and Bauses and biked with a group called Geezers 'n Gears.
Gus loved being a grandpa to Chenzo and Maddie; he and Chenzo were Thursday night Euchre partners against Mary and grandma, and he shared his love of cinnamon toast (or frosting) for breakfast with Maddie. He was also a happy step-grandpa to Mia, Renee, Becca, Danielle, Kevin, Amy, Brian and Steven, who came into his life when Mary, Marjorie and Gene married.
He is survived by his four children: Mary (Chris Moase), Marjorie (Jake Schwei), Marsha (Jim Hoeppner) and Gene (Laura), as well as many friends.
In keeping with his wishes, a celebration of his life will be held on Tuesday, January 14th from 4-7 pm at the Red Circle Inn in Nashotah with an eco-friendly, green burial in Prairie Home Cemetery.
For those seeking further details or to sign the on-line guest registry, please go to: www.thelenfh.com or call 262-392-4251. Thelen Funeral Services of North Prairie/Genesee is honored to be assisting the Wendt family.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Gary Wendt
Sponsored by Thelen Funeral Service and Synergy Crematory.
William Marshall
January 24, 2020
Dr. William and Julia (Koch) Marshall recently learned of the passing of Gary and want to express our condolences to the children and grandchildren of Gary and Rita. Julia was a cousin of Gary and remembers many happy days when the Koch families gathered for special events in Menomonee Falls. We visited Gary and Rita periodically while living in Waukesha but lost track of them when we moved to Lancaster, Pa., in 1971. We recently moved to Minnesota and it was during that move that we learned of Gary (and Rita's) passing. William has an extensive genealogy collection of the Koch family and would be interested in adding the extended Wendt family information to that data base. He can be reached via email at [email protected].
Best regards,
William and Julia (Koch) Marshall
Anne K. (William) Owens
January 11, 2020
We are deeply saddened by the passing of Gus and sorry to be far away, unable to attend his memorial.
Words are inadequate since our love and respect for Gus (and beloved Rita) immeasurable. Spanning decades of friendship and memories.
There is peace knowing he is safe and united with her once more.
Our sympathy,
Anne and Bill Owens
January 10, 2020
Words will probably fail.
Gus eased my way through the angst and awkwardness of high school with his "Buongiorno!", to which my response was a resounding "Fine, Sweetheart, fine!". This special exchange, along with his "HI JANE!" was only for me!
Such a gift to me and all who knew and loved him! I am ever grateful that my "village" included Gus, Rita, Mary, Margie, Marsha and Beaner. All of my love to all of you!
Frank Kosednar
January 3, 2020
I spent a lot of time with Gus back in the old CLS days, Sue and I enjoyed all the pot luck dinners at their house and what I remember most was that Gus always had a joke for me, every time I saw him. I remember him for his great sense of humor. I send my prayers to his family.
Patty Kosednar
January 3, 2020
I have wonderful memories of Gus and send love and prayers to his family. Love to all of you
Dave Kosednar
January 2, 2020
My thoughts are about Gus and the entire Wendt family. Everyone remembers Gus, the "Character". I also remember working with Gus on CLS moving crews, watching 4th of July fireworks at your house, and playing the game "Look" while sharing meals with your family. He still makes me smile!
DENNIS MANTHY
January 2, 2020
Thoughts and Prayers go out to the Wendt family.
I had the pleasure of working with both Gus and Rita back in the late 80's. Two quality people who I will always remember. To this day my favorite memory of Gus is everyday at noon Rita would grab her book and Gus would as he called it grab his "blankie" and they would go out tot he car - Gus would grab a quick 25 mInute nap and Rita would read her book always making sure to have Gus back to his work station in time. Gus and Rita are and will always be two of my most favorite Quad people I had the opportunity to work with.
Dar Wycklendt
December 31, 2019
Gus was such a positive, fun influence at Quad, back in the day. So thankful for Gus and Rita's influence...they were a great example of hard work and a good marriage.
Tom Collins
December 31, 2019
My condolences to the Wendt family. Gus was such a great guy working with him and Rita at Quad - unique wit and sense of humor, but with a practical and knowledgeable sense about him always - kind of a father figure to many of us. Gus made an impression on my life, and I'm sure on hundreds of others as well.
Dan Jeske
December 29, 2019
Deepest condolences to the family of Cus. May you be comforted by your fondest memories of him. It was good times working with both Gus and Rita at Quadgraphics
Tom Utech
December 29, 2019
My sincere condolences to the Wendt family.
I worked w/Gus & Rita at Quadgraphics in the 80s. Gus was never at a loss for jokes & a wisecrack or two. Seeing me at work & never one to forget my service as a Marine, Gus's favorite quip was, "Corporal! Smoke 'em if ya' got em!'.....though I've been a non-smoker all my life! I sincerely enjoyed working w/Gus & his dear wife Rita, who was a real sweetheart. God Bless Gus & Rita....two of the finest people with whom I've ever been honored in friendship.
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