Wendell J. Ahlbrand

Growing up in Indiana, Mr. Ahlbrand was one of my all time favorite and memorable teachers. Had him in the 4th grade at Myers. I remember the many stories he would tell the class, as a group or individually, that seemed to always tell of humorous life lessons. I will admit I repeat a few to this day! His annual Abraham Lincoln, complete with his own fully grown beard, is something I clearly and fondly remember - almost 35 years later. Rest in peace Mr. Ahlbrand.

So shocked and saddened that Wendell is gone. He was a "fellow frequent flyer" at the Big Wheel. Always intelligent, funny conversationalist. The Campbell St. Cafe will be a little less bright...

Mr. Ahlbrand was a young married man when I had him for a teacher and principal of Gary Lutheran School in Indiana. Always good and kind, always ready to listen. I became a teacher because of him.

Depend on Him at all times...before Him pour out the pain that's within. God, is a refuge for us. (Ps. 62:8)

C Johnson

I had Mr. Ahlbrand as my fourth grade teacher at Myers school in the seventies. I remember him very fondly as a kind and witty man. His yearly tribute to Abraham Lincoln made a huge impact on everyone. I am sorry for your loss.

Diana and Family: I am so sorry to hear of your loss. Wendell was very special and a wonderful husband, father, teacher and friend.
God Bless!

My love and prayers are with all of you. Wendell was a special man, and will be sorely missed. I always enjoyed his sense of humor! I know he and my dad are having a great time together; probably stirring up some kind of trouble!
Blessings to all of you,
Michele Wessel Tarnow

I never had the joy of meeting Mr. Ahlbrand, but his daughter, Lisa, is one of my closest friends. She is one of the most caring and generous people I know. I am thankful Mr. Ahlbrand instilled such virtues in his daughter. What a beautiful legacy he leaves behind. Thank you, Mr. Ahlbrand , for leaving this world a better place.

Wendell was my favorite cousin. He visited our home in Ft. Wayne, IN. on several occasions and was known as Uncle Wendell by our three children who adored him.

I met Wendell Ahlbrand, but I knew him through his daughter Linda. She spoke of him often, always with love and devotion. His sense of humor and wonderful influence is always evident in how she lives her life every day. So he lives on through Linda, and all the many lives he touched...we hold the family in our thoughts and prayers.

Maybe the measure of a man's mark in life is the people he touched in so many ways. Wendell was a giving, caring and most of all, mine and so many others, a good friend. He lived life to the fullest and will be sorely missed.

Mr. Ahlbrand was one of my favorite teachers -- he inspired me to think outside the box. He is the first teacher I remember with a great sense of humor. I will never forget him.

We were the Ahlbrand's neighbors on Tennessee St, in Gary IN in the 1960's and remained friends with them after we all left the neighborhood. My sympathies are with his family, he was always a nice man.

I am sorry for your loss.Mr. Ahlbrand was a nice man and teacher. He was principal at Gary Lutheran when I was there.

Mr. Ahlbrand was a great teacher, principal and man. He always had a smile for his students at Gary Lutheran School. Prayers to his family.

I didn't know Mr. Ahlbrand....but to know Lisa is a direct reflection on him! She is an amazing friend and I am blessed to have her in my families life. Thank you MR. Ahlbrand for being her father and teaching her well.

I was In Mr. Ahlbrand's 8th grade class at Gary Lutheran when he was not even 30. What a full life he has had! Best regards to his family.

Awesome teacher thank you so much for the great memorys you gave. Prayers ou t to his family and God bless

Prayers for the family , Mr Ahlbrand was a fine teacher, and a good man. My kids spoke of him often.

I too had Mr. Ahlbrand at Myers Elementary. Such an amazing and inspirational teacher. My deepest sympathies to the Ahlbrand Family.

Mr. Ahlbrand will always be remembered as one of my favorite teachers. I had him in elementary school at Myers,and now at thirty-six, I can remember being in his class as if it was yesterday. Bless you and thank you for the memories.

I remember mr ahlbrand when he dress up as abraham lincolin at myers school I always look forward to it when he did .my prayers go out to the family

Wendell was very kind and helpful to Stuart's Dad, George, during times we were not in Valparaiso. For example, Wendell cheerfully drove Dad to doctor appointments. And,of course,we always enjoyed Wendell's wonderful disposition.

Please accept our sympathy and appreciation.

To Diana and family, I am so sorry for your loss. We will all miss Wendell. Sorry I am not there to say good by to a good friend. Shey Kravas

SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS. GOD PROMISES US THAT WE WILL SEE OUR LOVED ONES AGAIN, MAY YOU FIND COMFORT IN KNOWING THAT HE IS WITH YOU NOW.

My thoughts and prayers go out to all who mourn his passing, which I know are many. Gloria

My deepest sympathies to his family. I had Mr. Ahlbrand as a teacher back in 1983 and he championed my love of writing. I am now a English teacher and credit him for developing my love of words. I also remember his Abe Lincoln dress up from 1st grade and was so disappointed when I learned it wasn't really the president. :) I always found him charming. God bless.

TO DIANA AND THE FAMILY.. HE WAS A GOOD FRIEND WITH WHOM I SHARED MANY STORIES AND LAUGHS DURING OUR YEARS TEACHING IN THE SAME BUILDING..HE WILL ALWAYS BE ABE AND A GOOD GUY TO ME.. REST IN PEACE WENDELL.. YOU WILL BE MISSED..

Gotta love Uncle Wendell's smile and humor. Will miss him lots!
Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you.

Love,
The Mirasola Family

Wendell also volunteered his services to the Family and Youth Service Bureau which is where I met him and Diana. They were of great service to the youngsters, and I consider myself lucky to have met Wendell and Diana.

Diana, I have only known you and Wendell for a little over a year and it feels like I have known you forever. I will always remember Wendell working with the MailCrew at church and his laughter. He will be missed.

Mr Ahlbrand was one of my all time favorite teachers. I remember every year he would let his beard grow and dress up as Abraham Lincoln. So sorry for your loss.

He was a wonderful teacher, I can still ask my kids who there best teacher was an they always say mr. Ahlbrand. A great man will be missed. You are in our thoughts.