Jerry P. Wendel, 89, passed away Feburary 24, 2020, at River Bend Assisted Living, Great Bend. He was born on October 15, 1930, at Ellinwood, the son of Peter L. & Bertha A. (Steimel) Wendel. He married Theda Jo Whelan on November 30, 1957 at Great Bend. She survives.
A lifetime Great Bend resident, Jerry was the division manager for Centel/Western Plains Energy for 19 years. After working for 40 years there, he retired on February 1, 1993. He was a member of Prince of Peace Parish at St. Rose and Knights of Columbus. He had been active in many areas within the community, such as a director for CKMC, Kansas Association of Commerce and Industry, an inside chairman for the 3I Exhibition and Central Kansas Development, as well as, the Great Bend Lions Club, Elks Lodge, Chamber of Commerce, Vintage Wheel Antique Auto Club, MACK Flying Club, Kansas Calvary and the Great Bend County Club.
Survivors include, his wife, Theda Jo Wendel of the home; a brother, Thomas Wendel of Hutchinson; and many nieces and nephews, and great nieces and great nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; two sisters, Catherine Birzer and Audrey Puckett.
There will be no visitation as cremation has taken place and the register book will be available to sign, Wednesday, February 26th to Friday, February 28th, from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. A Vigil Service will be held at 7:00 p.m., Sunday, March 1, 2020, at Bryant Funeral Home. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m., Monday, March 2, 2020, at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church, with Father Don Bedore presiding. Inurnment will be in the Great Bend Cemetery at a later date. Memorials are suggested to Prince of Peace Parish Endowment Fund, in care of Bryant Funeral Home.