Esther Alvina Wendt

Esther Alvina Wendt, 96, of Fond du Lac, passed away at St. Agnes Hospital after a short stay, (last ambulance ride) and moved to her heavenly home on Friday, September 29th. She lived independently, still cooking, baking, and driving her red Buick. Esther was born on January 4, 1927, to Edward K. Reetz and Alvina (Oelke) Reetz, on the family farm in the town of Seneca, Green Lake County. Esther was baptized at the family farm in 1927, and confirmed in 1940, at Zion Lutheran Church, Neshkoro. She attended a one-room grade school, graduated from Neshkoro High School in 1944, and recently attended her 79th class reunion (as the last remaining student in her class). Esther worked as a waitress at a Berlin diner after high school, where she met the love of her life, Robert E. Wendt, who had just returned from serving in World War II. Because of their mutual crush, she served him generous portions of potatoes, and Bob never told her he disliked potatoes until years later. Esther and Bob were married at Zion Lutheran Church, Neshkoro, on December 8, 1946, for 67 years, and raised 3 children: Gloria, Gary, and Russell. In early years after marriage, she worked as a stenographer at the Retlaw Hotel, and also for the American Red Cross. After their children were born, she enjoyed working as a "mom," enjoyed cooking, baking, and all of the other assumed responsibilities of raising a family. She made her last apple pie and the family favorite: "chocolate cake with fudge frosting over marshmallows" until a week ago. She graduated from MPTI and assisted in the office of her husband Bob's business (Wendt's Auto Body), and later for their sons Gary and Russ. She also owned and operated National Flagpole for 33 years and retired at age 93. She was very patriotic, and absolutely loved this job and the relationships she built with her customers! Frequently, she mentioned missing her customers and the friendships she developed at work. Esther was an active member of Faith Evangelical Lutheran Church, cherished her church family, and especially enjoyed fellowship with the "Ladies of Faith." Other interests included reading, gardening, writing/corresponding with relatives/friends, politics, and traveling throughout the U.S.A., and even a European River Cruise in France. Esther is survived by 3 children: Gloria (Les) Schneider, FDL; Gary Wendt (Sally Muehlius), FDL; Russ Wendt (Mary Muehlius), Lomira. She is also survived by 4 grandchildren: Jennifer (Greg) Meltz, North FDL; Kimberly Schneider, FDL; Chad (Ashley) Wendt, FDL; Brett (Leslie) Wendt, Newnan, GA; Step-grandchildren: Lori Kraus, Cumming, GA; Pam (Ryan) Gross, Scottsdale, AZ. Surviving great-grandchildren: Hannah Meltz, Ethan Meltz, Stellan Wendt, Claesson Wendt, Logan Wendt, Carter Wendt. Surviving step-great grandchildren: Ashley (Adam) Clark, Kaden Gross, Abbey Kraus, Alex Kraus, Luke Kraus (deceased). As the 4th born of 9 children, 2 have preceded her in death. Surviving siblings: Erick Reetz, Markesan; Viola Raasch, Littleton, CO; Edna Werth, Buhl, ID; Lorraine Schultz, FDL; Melita Ellingson, McCallsburg, IA; Alvin (Sonja) Reetz, Santa Cruz, CA. She was preceded in death by her husband, Bob (2014); parents, brother Edwin, infant sister, Leona; granddaughter, Sandra Schneider; sisters-in-laws, brothers-in-laws, many relatives, and friends. Esther is fondly remembered as the sweet caring lady with a sparkle in her eye who passionately cared for all, was a role model to many, and treasured her relationships with family, friends, and customers. She had a great sense of humor and always enjoyed a good joke. The love of God was most important in her life. She enjoyed the beautiful sunsets He painted in her backyard and the deer who visited at the front door. Esther deeply treasured her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. *Isaiah 41:10 (confirmation memory verse) "Fear thou not, for I am with thee; be not dismayed, for I am thy God. I will strengthen thee, yea, I will help thee, yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness." VISITATION AND SERVICE: The family kindly welcomes friends and relatives on Thursday, October 5, 2023, to a visitation at Faith Evangelical Lutheran Church, 55 Prairie Rd., FDL, from 9:00AM-11:00AM, followed by the funeral service. Christian Burial will take place following the service at Ledgeview Memorial Park. Memorials may be directed to Faith Lutheran Church or Winnebago Lutheran Academy.

Esther Alvina Wendt

January 4, 1927 - September 29, 2023