Donald Roy Wendell, age 83, of Benton, IL, and formerly of Lake Villa, IL; passed away Wednesday, January 26, 2022, at the SSM Good Samaritan Hospital of Mt. Vernon.
Don was born on December 16, 1938, in Waukegan, Illinois, the son of Albert W. Wendell and Esther Viola (Wetterberg) Wendell. He married the former Barbara Dohr on October 22, 1960, and she preceded him in death on November 17, 2017.
Don served his country in the U.S. Army from January 10, 1962, to December 31, 1967.
He was a retired tree trimmer for Asplundh Tree Experts, contracted through ComEd, where he worked for 46 years. He was a member of I.B.E.W. Local #9.
Don enjoyed fishing, hunting, cracking jokes, watching Westerns; most of all he enjoyed spending time with his family.
Surviving are two children: Donald Roy Matthews and wife Denise of Lake Villa, IL, Audra Motter and husband Larry of Ingleside, IL; grandchildren: Krystle Motter of McHenry, IL, Christy Matthews of Lake Villa, IL, Jill Indovina and husband AJ of Davis Junction, IL, Mackenzie Matthews of Lake Villa, IL; great-grandchildren: Regan Starnes, Ripley Starnes, Bishop Starnes, Caitlyn Schaer, Arianna Maze, Haley Matthews, Dylan Matthews, Emma Indovina, Luca Indovina, Charlotte Indovina; many nieces and nephews; and his beloved dog Beaner Wendell.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife; a grandson Donald James Matthews, a great-granddaughter Addison Indovina, siblings: George Wendell, Edward Wendell, Rich Wendell, Helen Smith; in-laws: Allen Dohr, Ray Dohr and wife Marilyn.
Memorial Contributions in memory of Don, may be made to the Friends of Franklin County Animal Control, P.O. Box 210, Christopher, IL 62822-0210, or visit www.petsneedhomes.org
Don’s wishes were to be cremated.
Celebration of Life Services will be held from 12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. Saturday, September 10, 2022, at Lindy’s Landing, 115 Park Street, Wauconda, IL 60084.
Cremation arrangements are through the Leffler Funeral Home of Benton.
To leave online condolences to the family, or to share memories of Don, visit www.lpfuneralhome.com
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