Jo Lee Wendt was lovingly received into the arms of Jesus and entered her heavenly home on November 5, 2021, at the age of 55. Jo Lee was born on August 11, 1966, in Merrill, Wisconsin, the youngest of nine children, to John and Joyce Wendt. She was baptized, confirmed and a lifelong member of St. John Lutheran Church in Merrill. Jo Lee was a graduate of Merrill Public Schools’ Life Task Center. She participated for many years in the Special Olympics, looked forward to Saturday Fun Frames Bowling League, and spent hours loving cats at the Lincoln County Humane Society.
Jo Lee was preceded in death by her parents and grandparents. She is survived by her siblings: Jerry (Rita), Joel (Sue), Jim (Cathy), Jan Halverson (Bill Hoeflein), Jill (Michael) LaBarbera, Jeanne Brown (Doug McPherson), Julie (Don) Gehrmann, Jenny (Brian) McHenry and 58 nieces and nephews.
The family wishes to express extreme gratitude for her St. John family who always accepted and loved her for who she was. Also for the caregivers who allowed her to love independently during her adult years. We also want to thank the Merrill businesses who patiently accepted her frequent visits and the Kindhearted Social Center, especially Theresa and staff. Ourway Group Homes provided her a safe and loving home for the past one and a half years. The staff at the Marshfield Medical Center, along with the Heartland Hospice in Eau Claire were compassionate and attentive to her needs during her final days.
The funeral service for Jo Lee will be held on Thursday, November 18, 2021, at 11am at St. John Lutheran Church in Merrill. Rev. David Szeto will officiate. Visitation will be held on Wednesday, November 17, 2021, from 5pm-7pm at Waid Funeral Home, and again on Thursday, November 18, 2021, from 10am until the time of the service, at the church. Entombment at the Merrill Memorial Park Mausoleum will immediately follow the service. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you make a donation to St. John Lutheran Church, Lincoln County Humane Society or a charity of your choice. The service will be live streamed and available for viewing on Thursday, November 18, 2021, at 11am and can be found under her obituary on the funeral home website. It then be posted as a recording for future viewing. Waid Funeral Home & Cremation Service of Merrill is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences are encouraged and may be made at www.waidfuneral.com.