David G. Wendt

April 2, 1948 - January 26, 2021

David G. Wendt, age 72, died peacefully in his home on January 26, 2021 with his loving wife by his side. David was born in Toledo, was a 1966 graduate of Start High School, and proudly served in the U.S. Navy. He married Karen (LaFrance) Wendt, and had three wonderful children. He retired from Jeep in 2010 after 37 years of employment. David was lucky to find love twice, and married Melanie (Parks) Wendt in 2011.

If you knew Dave, you probably knew him as "Coach", as he devoted his life to coaching the youth of Toledo. Dave and his life-long best friend Harold Keaton coached the DeVeaux Vikings football team for 45 years. He also coached baseball in Toledo for 29 years. Dave and his coaching colleagues brought life-long memories and mentorship to over 4000 west Toledo youths.

Dave is survived by his loving wife, Melanie; children, David T. (Lorma) Wendt, Adam (Kim) Wendt and Holly (Nick) Kimpon; sister, Julie (Larry) McIntyre; 7 grandchildren; and 1 great granddaughter. He was preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Betty (Holzapfel) Wendt; and step-son, Jason Howard.

Visitation will be from 3-5 p.m., Sunday, January 31, 2021, at Bridgepoint Church, 9875 Lewis Avenue (at Erie Rd.) Temperance, MI, where funeral services will follow at 5:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you make a donation to Hospice of Northwest Ohio. Arrangements by the Michael W. Pawlak Funeral Home, Temperance, MI.

pawlakfuneralhome.com

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Published by The Blade from Jan. 31 to Feb. 2, 2021.

Memories and Condolences
for David Wendt

7 Entries

Mike Gilliam

February 11, 2021

Dave, you were an incredible soul and altruistic man! Mission accomplished! Well done good and faithful servant! You epitomized what selflessness is by adding immeasurable value to my life (and I'm sure, many other athletes!) with no way to ever repay you. Who would've known that playing for you, and the DeVeaux Vikings, for three years between the ages of 10-13 would impact and establish the trajectory of my life and so many more. That's where my athletic endeavors and journey began and I owe a debt of gratitude to you (and Harold Keaton). Your coaching, patience, kindness, firmness and demeanor were ideal for developing aspiring athletes. I can completely attribute the success I tasted, after my years of playing for you, to you. You made it fun, even infectious. You instilled, sometimes demanded, tenacity, desire, toughness, focus, hard work, belief, and what it takes to win. And we won a lot! All those attributes were transferrable to every avenue of life thereafter. Everything in life has a starting point. Dave, you impacted my life to a Division I, Hall of Fame career as well as five world tours performing professionally! Thank you! Honor means to let someone know you see how valuable they are and Dave, I honor you! You were valuable an invaluable simultaneously! I went on to coach at the DI level and have been coaching ever since and I'm sure I got that bug from you. I love adding value to others' lives and that's because I come from the Wendt coaching tree. Thanks for passing the torch and I pray to see you again and that your family is blessed and finds comfort in knowing that someone from 44 years ago still believes that you were one of the most influential people in their life. Godspeed! Mike Gilliam

Theresa Morris

February 2, 2021

Please accept our deepest condolences from your Start High School Hall of Fame family. Dave embodied the true Spartan spirit. Always a Spartan.

Jeep Retirees

January 31, 2021

May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.

Linda Keaton

January 31, 2021

I considered Dave as family. His friendship with my brother Harold is something I always admired. Our condolences to Melanie, Julie, Holly and his whole family. The world lost a good one.
Rest In Peace Dave
Gary and Linda Keaton

Ken Oehlers

January 30, 2021

Dave, Adam, and Holly, I offer my sincerest condolences to you. As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends. Your father answered God’s call on his life in a very meaningful and lasting way. Your father touched the lives of many young people and set them on the road to adulthood in a special, lasting way. He touched generations beyond what he or you might ever know. Sincerely, Ken Oehlers

Val Helldobler

January 30, 2021

Cousin Dave was one of the most laid back kind person I have ever met. It brings back fond memories of family parties on Walker street and hanging at Asbury park. He has left a legacy of guiding hundreds of young people in the right direction through coaching. REST IN PEACE cousin. Val Helldobler

Tim Ramer

January 28, 2021

My sincere condolences to Dave's entire extended family. I met Dave through my longtime former neighbor Larry Lakatos. Larry and Dave were close friends. I'm glad I got to know Dave, and to deer hunt with him in Ohio with Larry and his hunting camp buddies. He was a good man. I'm glad I got to know him personally. I'm sure we are all better people for having known him. Rest in peach my friend.

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