John "Big Daddy" Wendels

John "Big Daddy" Wende Is, 68, of Fond du Lac, passed away Saturday, April 14,2018 due to

complications from pneumonia, at St. Agnes Hospital, with his family by his side. John was born on March 3, 1950 in Fond du Lac, the son of Ralph and Betty (Deitte) Wendels. He shared the past 30 years with his best friend and wife, Beth (Leonhardt).



John proudly worked in the family business, Wendels Construction, as a mason for many years. John was an avid fisherman and hunter. He enjoyed deer hunting with family and friends, fishing with his cronies on Lake Michigan and his years of going moose hunting in Canada. He was the original Santa at Lakeside Park, beginning in 1988, making Christmas magical for many children. John and Beth were enjoying retirement in their new home, especially tending to their gardens, taking care of their yard and spending time by their pond. He had a big heart and always had a willingness to help others and most of all enjoyed spending time with family, especially his grandkids. He was also involved with Fishing Has No Boundaries, Lighthouse Anglers, and Wescot Sportsman's Club.



Survivors include his wife, Beth; his children, Julie (Jim) Treleven, Sara (Rick) Gerritson, Kim

(Nate) Kastein, Phil (Shannon) Damm, Amy (Chris) Behnke, and Jason Wendels; grandchildren, Nathan, Ryan, Aaron, Seth, Aleah, Adam, Lauren, Braden, Mason, Simone, Brock, Brookelyn, Logan, Carson, and Jaxson; his step-mom, Mary Wendels; his siblings, Joe (Mary Jo) Wendels, Ann (Greg) Hupfer, Joan (Pete) Wettstein, Ann (Linda) Reader, Tom (Judy) Reader, Jim (Jo Ann) Wendels; his first wife Rhea Wendels; and many other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; and one sister, Mary Ellen Wendels.



John had a gift of lighting up a room with his unique sense of humor and his endless love and

affection for everyone. He taught us that you only get one shot at life and all it has to offer. If faced with adversity, you can wait for the storm to pass or you can be positive, smile, and make others happy to be around you.



Visitation will take place on Sunday, April 22, 2018 from 12 noon until 4:00 PM at Uecker-Witt

Funeral Home, 524 N. Park Ave, Fond du Lac, WI, 54935. A funeral service will follow the

visitation at the funeral home at 4:00 PM. Cremation will follow the service.



In lieu of flowers, memorials appreciated to Fishing Has No Boundaries, PO Box 54, Fond du Lac, WI,54936.