Orville J. Wendt, 72, of Merrill, went to be with the Lord on Saturday, August 9, 2014 at Good Samaritan Hospital Medical Center, Merrill, WI.
Orville was born on December 4, 1941 in Wausau to the late Lenard and Edna (Haehlke) Wendt. He married Vernette L. (Woller) on October 13, 1962 in Town of Berlin, WI. Orville was employed by Steinagel and Ellenbecker Construction for 26 ½ years, the Lincoln County Highway Department 18 ½, and grading roads for the Town of Corning for 3 years.
Orville enjoyed spending time with his granddaughter Ramsey Wendt. He was a hunter and enjoyed spending time at the hunting shack. He loved to fish, garden, make his own maple syrup, venison sausage, and sauerkraut. He enjoyed watching the Milwaukee Brewers and the Green Bay Packers. He liked polka music and found time for it almost every day. Orville and his wife enjoyed their trips out west, especially exploring Alaska.
Orville was a member of Pommerscher Verein Club. He enjoyed playing cards in a card club for almost 50 years. He was also an avid softball player in his younger years and played accordion for parties and gatherings. Orville belonged to Trinity Lutheran Church, Town of Berlin.
Orville is survived by his loving wife Vernette; children: David and Todd, both of Merrill, Gina (Larry) Fritz, Sullivan, WI; granddaughter Ramsey Wendt; sisters: Marcella Steidinger, Marathon, Janis Henning and Jean Krueger both of Wausau; brother-in-laws LeRoy (Joyce) Woller, Larry (Lois) Woller; and numerous other relatives and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Lenard and Edna Wendt, father and mother-in-law Norman and Lorna Woller, brother-in-laws James Krueger, Raymond Henning and Harold Steidinger; sister-in-law Jill Woller; and nephew Alan Krueger.
Visitation will be held on Tuesday, August 12, 2014 from 5:00 – 8:00 p.m. at the Waid Funeral Home Chapel and again on Wednesday, August 13, 2014 from 10 a.m. until time of services at the church. Funeral service will be 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, August 13, 2014 at Trinity Lutheran Church, Town of Berlin. Rev. Jeffrey Schmidt will be officiating. Burial will be in Trinity Lutheran Church Cemetery, Town of Berlin.
Special thanks to Nicky Wolfgram of Interim Healthcare Palliative Services for all her help this last year.
On-line condolences may be made at www.waidfuneral.com.