Larry Wendel

Larry Wendel, aged 74, passed away peacefully on Saturday, January 28, 2023 surrounded by his family. Beloved husband of Winnie Bush Wendel. Father of Lawrence Wendel and Amy Wendel Franklin (Chris). Brother of Sharon Wendel. “Opa” to Lucy and Henry Franklin. Preceded in death by his parents, Lawrence Martin Wendel, Sr. and Ellen Fenner Wendel.

Mr. Wendel was a lifelong resident of New Orleans, graduate of St. Aloysius 1967 and Delgado Community College 1971. He was a veteran of the United States Marine Corps where he received the Rifle Expert Badge. He owned and operated Wendel Printing for over 55 years, where he mentored and befriended many in the printing industry.

He had an innate ability to figure out anything be it building a boat, rewiring electric, fixing appliances, remodeling a house or simply changing a room paint color while his wife was at work. He was gifted with not only an artistic ability but also a natural instinct to figure out how to make anything work.

For example, after Katrina, he proceeded to redesign his damaged boat, Swee’ Pea. When he told the experienced boat builders his plan he was told, “You can’t do that.” His response was, “No, YOU can’t, but I will.” And he did! He was recognized with a “Bubblie Award” at the 2011 Wooden Boat Festival for this unimaginable recreation.

Larry had to keep moving whether it be the speed of a self-made go cart from scrap parts (without the knowledge of his parents) motorcycles, Mach 1 Mustang, Lightning trucks or a slow cruise on the water.

Thanks to EJGH ICU Nursing Staff and Physicians team for their compassionate care of both him and family.

A funeral Mass will be held Friday, February 3, 2023 at Lake Lawn Metairie Funeral Home, 5100 Pontchartrain Blvd., New Orleans at 12:00 noon, with a visitation beginning at 10:00am. Interment will follow at Lafayette Cemetery No. 1.