Carl Douglas Wendt

Carl Douglas “Doug” Wendt, 77, of Longwood, Florida, passed away peacefully in his sleep on the morning of September 29, 2025.

Born on September 22, 1948, in Long Beach, California, Doug was the beloved son of Carl S. and Bonnie J. Wendt. He grew up in Southern California alongside his sister, Joella, in a loving home rooted in faith, regularly attending their local Methodist church.

Doug was a proud graduate of Jordan High School in Long Beach and went on to study at Long Beach City College, where he joined the Order of Vidar. He later earned a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Technology from California State University, Long Beach. During his college years, Doug worked at a grocery store, a job he took great pride in, often saying with a grin that he was “the best bagger ever.” He loved teaching others how to pack groceries with care: “Heavy stuff on the bottom, lighter stuff on top!”

Doug’s passions were many. He was an avid sports enthusiast, whether watching or playing football and basketball. He had a lifelong love for the ocean; surfing, body surfing, snorkeling, or simply soaking up the beauty of the beach.

Professionally, Doug found his calling in the insurance industry. He began with Aetna before joining CNA Insurance, where he dedicated 44 years of faithful service in various roles, earning the respect and admiration of colleagues throughout the organization.

Doug’s greatest treasure was his family. He was a devoted father to his daughters and took joy in every moment spent with them. When he relocated to Florida, his parents soon followed, and he lovingly cared for them in their later years, especially his father after the passing of his mother.

He met Marsha, his wife, at CNA on her first day of work. After a number of years passed they began dating and dated for 6 years before they were engaged. They purchased a piece of property in Longwood on a lake, built a home, and got married in the back yard of their new home in December of 1997. Doug embraced Marsha’s children, Michelle and TJ, as his own, forming a blended family built on love, loyalty, and laughter.

He was a man who found delight in life’s simple pleasures: listening to Jimmy Buffett, Friday night chips and salsa at Amigos (where everyone knew his name), Saturday morning golf with the same foursome, yard work, boating, and time spent near the water. A proud Orlando Magic fan, Doug purchased season tickets in the team’s inaugural season and kept them for 15 years.

Doug had a soft spot for animals, especially his beloved dogs Dixie and Bella, with whom he shared a deep and visible bond that reflected his tender heart.

He also loved to travel, often extending work trips to explore new places with Marsha. Together, they made lasting memories in destinations across the U.S. and beyond; San Diego, San Francisco, Chicago, Lake Tahoe, the Florida Keys, St. Augustine, Hawaii, and the U.S. Virgin Islands, where he proposed to Marsha in St. Croix.

Above all, Doug was a man of strong faith. He accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior and found great comfort and joy in the teachings of Dr. Joel Hunter, the worship at Northland Church, and the uplifting music of Z88.3 FM.

Doug is survived by his loving wife of 27 years, Marsha Wendt; his daughters Kristi (Peter) Marleau and Kimberly (Justin) Wyatt; stepdaughter Michelle (Clark) Mason and stepson T.J. (Lorraine) Beasley. He was a proud grandfather to Melisa (Peyton) Hopkins, Gavin Beasley, Calista Mason, Elliott Marleau, Colin Marleau, Tyler Beasley, and Grayson Beasley, and a great-grandfather to Ethan Hopkins.

He is also survived by his sister, Joella Waxenfelter, and her sons Royce (Bess) Waxenfelter and Aaron (Catherine) Waxenfelter. Doug was preceded in death by his parents, Carl S. and Bonnie J. Wendt, his brother-in-law Richard Waxenfelter, and his nephew Grady Waxenfelter (Tedra).

A Celebration of Life service will be held on Thursday, October 9, 2025, at 5:30 PM (doors open at 5:00 PM) at First Baptist Church of Apopka, in Apopka, Florida. A meal will follow the service.

Doug Wendt lived with integrity, generosity, humor, and faith. He will be remembered for his kind heart, unwavering devotion to those he loved, and his ability to make ordinary moments feel extraordinary. His legacy lives on in all who were blessed to know him.