Joseph Anthony ‘Joe’ Wendell, of Hutchinson, the legend who could improvise a far-fetched tale without even a smirk, ended his final chapter on October 7, 2020, at the age of 71.
He was born in Beloit on September 18, 1949, to John Martin ‘Kenny’ and Lucile (Koster) Wendell. The third of eight children, Joe grew up in a small limestone house, working on the family farm, where he and his siblings all shared one bedroom, an outhouse, and lots of backbreaking chores. Joe’s youth was deeply rooted in the countless generations of Catholic faith that came before him, and in the belief that a family that prays together, stays together. Joe excelled at track and basketball, while attending St. John’s Catholic School, graduating in 1967. When, as an adult, Joe learned of his enlarged heart, his momma was not a bit surprised, saying, ‘I always knew you had a big heart, I just didn’t know anyone else knew it!’ Though it was that same heart that ended his life, it served him and us all so well, even until the very end.
It was that same heart that fell in love with his wife of almost 50 years (49 years and nine months to be exact). On January 9, 1971, Joe married his wife, Diana Ruth Fromm. Together they had one son and two daughters (who vied for the role of being ‘his favorite’ up to the very end): Jeremy Wendell (Jen) of Hutchinson, Kelly Ulmer (T.J.) of Olathe, and Holly Thomas (Jim) of Hutchinson. Though he liked his kids just fine, he much preferred the role of being Grandpa to his grandkids: Grayson, Hailey, Brendan, Aidan, Kaylan, James, Jacob and Autumn. He captivated his audience of grandchildren, spinning tales about how he met their grandmother, or where he found their parents as infants before feeling sorry for them and bringing them home to raise.
Joe moved to Hutchinson in 1969 and became a member of St. Teresa Catholic Church, where he remained a parishioner throughout the remainder of his life. It was in Hutchinson that Joe put his heart into his two loves, automobiles and farming. At the age of 24, Joe’s love of cars resulted in him opening his first auto body shop and he continued his auto body career until his retirement. From childhood on, Joe was a farmer, raising nearly every type of animal imaginable at one point or another, and taking great pride in raising cattle, up until the very end.
Joe will be reunited in death with: his parents, Kenny and Lucile; his father-in-law, Kenneth Fromm; and his brother, Charles Wendell. However, his legacy will live on through his wife, children and grandchildren (all previously referenced) as well as six of his siblings who meant the world to him: Marguerite Harr (Jerry) of Beloit, Bill Wendell (Marty) of Beloit, Jerry Wendell (Amy) of Simpson, Tom Wendell of Beloit, Jane DeClue (Barney) of Dodge City, and Carol Johnson (John) of Beloit, as well as his mother-in-law, Doris Fromm of Beloit; and his numerous and adoring nieces and nephews who will miss ‘Uncle Joe’ dearly.
Truth be known, Joe Wendell had an incredibly generous heart and would give the shirt off his back for someone in need. Joe knew poverty and struggle, but he was also deeply rooted in the ideals of pulling up your bootstraps and finding a way to get what you want in life. Those who knew him well knew a man who could love deeply and had no problem speaking his mind when he saw fit. Joe was constantly surrounded by his loyal friends who enjoyed decades of meeting at the body shop, hunting or standing around the truck and storytelling, while enjoying a beverage or two after working cattle or together in the fields.
We look forward to safely gathering with our friends and family one last time, to collectively share and tell stories about the life of Joe Wendell. During this pandemic, we ask that you wear your masks and remain home if sick. Parish rosary will be 6:30 p.m. Monday, October 12, 2020, and his funeral will be 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, October 13, both at St. Teresa Catholic Church, 211 E. 5th Ave., Hutchinson. Burial will follow at 3:30 p.m. at the family burial plots in St. John’s Catholic Cemetery on East 8th Ave., Beloit.
Friends may call from 1 to 8 p.m. Sunday and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday at Elliott Mortuary. The family will receive friends following the rosary at the church.
We thank you for sharing your time, prayers and love with us. Memorials may be directed to two places which Joe loved and which served him through his most difficult times: St. Teresa Catholic Church or Hutchinson Regional Medical Foundation, in care of Elliott Mortuary, 1219 N. Main, Hutchinson, KS 67501.
Our hearts are full knowing that Grandma Lucile has been anxiously awaiting his arrival and has the table set with the good dishes and silverware. No ‘bacon ends’ for Joe, he gets the good stuff!