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- Merle George Henry Wendt, age 87, was called to his heavenly home, following congestive heart failure on Friday evening, February 6, 2015, with his family at his side. Born November 29, 1927 at home in the Town of Grand Chute, the son of George and Hilda (Schroeder) Wendt. Merle was baptized and confirmed at Saint Peter Ev. Lutheran Church, where he had also attended and graduated grade school, just down the road from the family farm on French Rd. Merle then went on to complete a correspondence course specializing in home construction and drafting through Chicago Technical College. With only an 8th grade education, he was extremely proud of the over 250 homes built by the Merle G. Wendt & Sons Construction Company in the Fox Valley. He served as the third President of Valley Home Builders Association in 1960.
Merle served in the US Army from October 1950 to October 1952, during the Korean War. One year was served in Germany, homeland of his ancestors. After 34 years of building, Merle retired, then to become a school bus driver for both Kobussen & Lamers Bus Services, along with being a delivery driver for Straight Shot Express Delivery. During retirement, Merle and Ruth enjoyed 15 winters in the sun and warmth of Chandler, AZ.
Merle enjoyed fishing, golfing, bowling, and deer hunting "Up North". Throughout his life, Merle cherished and honored his roles as husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He was a member of Bethel Lutheran Church, Menasha, and St. Paul Lutheran Church, Appleton, serving on both church councils. He was currently a member of Riverview Lutheran Church, Appleton. One of his favorite past-times as a young man was going to polka dances at Charlie Maloney's Cinderella Ballroom in Appleton and Silver Dome in Greenville. As fate would have it, he met Ruth Tiedt at one of these dances. On May 2, 1953, Merle and Ruth celebrated their wedding with a dance at Silver Dome where they had met.
With great honor and fond memories we survive Merle: His loving wife of 61 years, Ruth; children: Carmen (Robert) Brown, Wayne (Bev) Wendt, Kalen (Steve) Huff, Krislen (Robert) Maitland, Warren (Deanna) Wendt, Daryl (Heidi) Wendt. Grandchildren: Erich (Trish) Brown, Bridgid Brown, Vania (Dennis) Aggrey, Hannah (Thompson) Aderinkomi, Leanna (Ash) SanFilippo, Orin (Angela) Huff, Ashley Huff, Ayden Huff, Kyla Huff, Kendra Maitland, Garrett Maitland, Ryan Adserias, Kyle Adserias, Griffin Wendt, Sam Wendt, Nolan Wendt. Seven Great-grandchildren, a sister Shirley Techlin, brother Larry (Carol) Wendt, in-laws: Jim Kiefer, Joyce Tiedt, Carlton (Jeanne) Tiedt, Allan (Jean) Tiedt, Karen (Clem) Balthazor; God-children Dean Heiden and Ron Tiedt. Also other family members and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents George and Hilda Wendt, In-laws Arnold and Erma Tiedt, sister JoAnn Kiefer, four infant brothers: Leon, James, John, and Baby Wendt; brothers-in-law: Nathan Tiedt, Lloyd Techlin; and two God-Children: Kari Kiefer and Tommy Techlin.
A Funeral Service will be held on Wednesday, February 11, 2015, at 11:00 AM at Riverview Lutheran Church, 136 W. Seymour St., Appleton, with Rev. Dennis Belter and Rev. Adam Bode officiating, followed by Military Honors. Private entombment will take place at Highland Memorial Park. Relatives and friends may visit with the family on Tuesday, February 10, 2015, from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Valley Funeral Home, 2211 N. Richmond St., Appleton, and again on Wednesday, February 11, 2015, from 9:00 AM until 11:00 AM at the CHURCH.
In lieu of flowers and plants a memorial will be established in Merle's honor.
Grateful thanks to the staff of Emerald Valley Assisted Living, Appleton, and Affinity Hospice for all the care and compassion they gave Merle.
Good-Bye to the "Luckiest Man in the World". You will be dearly missed by your family.
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