Walter E. Wendel, 86 of Sergeant Bluff, passed away Tuesday, March 15, 2016 at a local hospital. Memorial service will be held at 11:00 am, Friday, April 15, 2016 at the American Legion in Sergeant Bluff. A visitation will begin one hour prior to service time at the legion. Burial will be at Memorial Park Cemetery. Arrangements are under the direction of Waterbury Funeral Service of Sergeant Bluff.

Walter was born at home on January 11, 1930 in Crows Island, west of Blencoe, Iowa, the son of Peter and Dora (Stotts) Wendel. He attended school in the Onawa, Iowa area. Walter married Phyllis Jean Mercer on November 2, 1948 and to this union three children were born, Walter “Smokey”, Ron, and Carol Ann. Phyllis passed away in May of 1996. Walter married Donna Stewart on September 19, 1998.

Walter worked at the Grain Elevators in Whiting and Salix, and then went on to work for Iowa Beef and Terra Industries. Always keeping busy, Walter enjoyed doing woodwork, playing cards, hunting, fishing, bowling, and mushroom hunting. He especially loved spending time with his family, especially all of the grandkids and great grandkids.

Survivors include his wife, Donna, children: Walter “Smokey” and Bev Wendel of North Sioux City, Ron Wendel of Sergeant Bluff, Carol Ann and Mark Walding of Sioux City, Cindy L. and Ray Baliff of Overland Park, KS, Julie J. and Rick Andersen of Sioux City, and Michael P. and Deb Van Waart of Sioux City, brothers: Earl and JoAnn Wendel of Rayville, MO and Doug and Nina Wendel of Jefferson City, MO, sister: Liz and Raymond Bradley of Versailles, MO, 15 grandchildren, and many great and great great grandchildren.

Walter was preceded in death by his parents, his first wife Phyllis, and two brothers: Franklin and Johnny Wendel.

Memorials may be made in Walter's name to Hospice of Siouxland and Parkinson’s research.