William Andrew Wendt

Bill was born January 10, 1942 to William Carl Wendt and Kathryn Duncan Wendt in Evanston, IL.

Bill grew up in Elmhurst, IL, graduated from York Community High School in 1960. He moved to South Florida after his feet froze to the ground at a gas station. Working as a lifeguard, he attended Palm Beach Junior College, Florida Atlantic University, and finally Florida State University receiving his Masters degree. Go Noles!

Bill was a Program Manager for Florida's DCF working with Institutions statewide for 37 years. During this time, he met the love of his life, Sally. After getting married in 1975, they eventually moved back to Tallahassee. Both of them were huge fans of Florida State University sports, enjoying baseball, basketball and of course football. They were season ticket holders for over 48 years. They were members of Springtime Tallahassee.

Bill and Sally had a special bond with each other and were the perfect role model of a married couple. They loved to travel and had a goal to visit every major national park and almost made it. If not traveling, they loved spending time with family, especially their grandchildren.

Bill was an incredible cook and he loved to cook for a big group of family and friends for the holidays, or just for fun. Of course anyone else was always welcomed too, many students from FSU away from home were invited over the years. Chicken and dumplings, pancakes, smoked turkey gumbo, spaghetti, and the special marinade he would use on his steaks and burgers, that was just a few of the favorites. He was always creating something and never really used measuring cups or spoons.

Bill loved to listen to all different kinds of music. From older music like John Denver and Jim Croce to Lady Gaga and Pentatonix. You could always find him in the kitchen cooking with the music blaring and him singing along. Bill was always sharing jokes and funnies with everyone too, what a sense of humor. I think what we will miss most, are his hugs. He always gave the best hugs that were so genuine and you knew that everything would be ok.

Bill is survived by his wife of 481/2 years, Sara "Sally" Vernon Wendt; his daughter, Janell, and husband, Tim Verkaden; daughter, Kelley, and husband, Kyle Unglaub; daughter, Jocelyn, and husband, George Reed; son, William "Billy" Wendt, and wife, Maria; son, Timothy "Timmy" Wendt; known as "Papa" to his grandchildren, Timmy, Elizabeth, Caroline, Hannah, Sarah, Ethan, Arabel and Billy; along with his great grandchildren, Parker Grace, Clayton, Landyn, Whitt and Cole; and sister, Barbara Wendt Swift of North Augusta, SC.

Preceded in death by son, Robert Dale Frierson and granddaughter, Cristina Verkaden. Bill did not want a memorial, but a gathering of family and friends to share stories and celebrate his life will be announced at a later date.

His final resting place will be in the Gulf of Mexico surrounded by family. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Bill's name to Big Bend Hospice or any other charity of your choosing.