Obituary of Mary Johanna Wendlandt

Mary Johanna Wendlandt, age 93, of Fort Atkinson, Wisconsin passed away on Monday, December 10, 2018 at Dycora Transitional Health, Fort Atkinson, Wisconsin.

Mary was born in Campbellsport, Wisconsin on September 20, 1925, the daughter of Fredrick H. and Kathryn Rose (Scheid) Rusch.  Mary spent her early years in Campbellsport, graduating valedictorian of her class in 1943.  She graduated from Mission House (which is now known as Lakeland College). 

Mary moved to Rice Lake following graduation and taught high school in Rice Lake and Plymouth, Wisconsin.  On May 7, 1949, Mary eloped to Waukegan, Illinois and married Lewis Ervin Wendlandt.  Lew preceded her in on April 20, 2012; 17 days shy of 63 years of marriage.  When Mary and Lew moved to Fort Atkinson, Mary enjoyed listening to Lew’s Radio Broadcasts.  While raising her children, she served as a Cub Scout Leader, Brownie Leader, and was a member of the Band Boosters.  She played piano for many of the schools solo and ensemble participants.  Mary was devoted to her grandchildren and loved her great grandchildren.

Mary was of deep faith.  She was a past member of Friedens United Church of Christ in Fort Atkinson where she served as Sunday School Superintendent, Sunday school teacher, Senior Choir Director, and was a member of the Women’s Guild. Mary was a member of the First Congregational United Church of Christ.  She was a dedicated member of the Lend-a-Hand Society, the Senior Choir and the Adult Bell Choir.

Surviving are: Her children: William F. (Jackie) Wendlandt, Iola, WI, Donald (Barbara) Wendlandt, Stevens Point, WI, Vicki (Paul) Milbrath, Helenville, WI, and Judy (Steve) Behm, Winneconne, WI.; Grandchildren: Ruth Wendlandt, Sarah (Jordan) Bierma, Mike Wendlandt, Douglas (Kristine) Steinke, Craig (Rachel) Steinke, Katherine (Chris Wangen) Trieloff, Ryan (Brenda) Trieloff, Lane Hollenberger, and Ethan Hollenberger, Great-grandchildren: Jessica, Abigail, and Matthew Steinke, Ethan Plens, Ainzlee Steinke, and Helen Trieloff.  She is further survived by many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Mary was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Lew, infant daughter, Kathryn Louise, brother and sister-in-law: Carroll and Marian Rusch, brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Harold and Gloria Wendlandt, and brother-in-law William E. Wendlandt.

Funeral Services will be held at 11:00AM on Friday, December 14, 2018 at the First Congregational United Church of Christ, 31 W. Milwaukee Ave., Fort Atkinson, WI with Rev. Chris Buckingham Taylor officiating.

Friends may call after 9:00AM on Friday at the church until the time of the services.

Those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider a memorial to the First Congregational United Church of Christ.

The Nitardy Funeral Home, Fort Atkinson is assisting the family.