Andrew "Andy" O. Wendt's Obituary
Andrew "Andy" O. Wendt, age 83, of Waupaca, WI, passed away unexpectedly on Friday, March 7, 2025. Andy was born October 31, 1941 in New London, WI; son of the late Roy and Elda (Strey) Wendt. He had many friends and loads of fun during his childhood years in Weyauwega while attending Public and St. Peter's schools. In 1955, his family moved to Waupaca and he lived his teenage years there, graduating from High School with the class of 1959. Andy continued his education at Madison Business College where he met Karen Robinson, whom he later married in Mauston, WI in 1963. At the time of his death, they had been married for 62 years. They returned to Waupaca the following year, and Andy joined the family Ford-Lincoln-Mercury automobile dealership and retired from there after 38 years.
Andy was a former member and past president of the Waupaca Jaycees and also a member and past president of the Waupaca Lions Club. He was the recipient of the Lions prestigious Melvin Jones Fellowship award in 2018, which honors individuals who demonstrate exceptional service within local clubs. He was especially fond of serving at the Lions pancake breakfast during the annual Fly-In at the Waupaca airport each year.
Throughout his life, Andy enjoyed spending time on the Chain-O-Lakes, camping with family and participating in community and church events. He led the dealership's sponsorship of the local Punt, Pass and Kick events and furnished cars for driver's education, and was an usher at church for many years. He was a proud supporter of the Comets, Brewers and Bucks, and never missed a Packers game. He was a sharp card player, with sheepshead and cribbage being two of his favorites.
Andy is survived by two daughters, Holly Wendt (John Dykhoff) of Minneapolis, MN; and Kim Knutson of La Crosse, WI; two grandsons, Sam (Cara) Kinderman of Wauwatosa, WI; and Ross Kinderman of St. Paul, MN; one great-grandson, Simon Kinderman; siblings, Mary Johanknecht of Waupaca, WI; David (Jo) Wendt of Chevy Chase, MD; and Steven (Vickie) Wendt of Waupaca, WI and Naples, FL; also many other relatives and countless friends.
A Memorial Service will be held at 2:30 PM on Saturday, March 22, 2025 at Immanuel Evangelical Lutheran Church in Waupaca. Rev. Ron Siemers will officiate. Visitation will be held from 1:00 PM until time of service at the Church. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be directed to Immanuel Evangelical Lutheran Church's Emergency and Relief Fund or the Waupaca Lions Club. Holly Funeral Home of Waupaca is assisting the family with arrangements.
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