APR 9, 1932 - AUG 17, 2011
Charles Paul "Chuck" Wendt, 79, was born in Chicago, IL., on April 9, 1932 to Charles and Meta Wendt. He passed away on August 17, 2011 at the Livermore Veterans Hospital. He has been a Modesto resident since 1962. Chuck was preceded in death by his beloved wife Jane. He is survived by his children; Jack Wendt of Stockton, Jill Kincannon of Modesto, Karen Dickens (Wes) of La Grange, Kenneth Wendt (Karie) of Acampo, step-daughter Tanya Blankenship (Michael) of Modesto and step-son Kenneth Russell Jr., "Skip". Chuck also leaves behind 14 grandchildren, 7 great grandchildren and many friends.
Chuck proudly served his country as a member of the US Air Force from 1951-1958. He continued to work tirelessly as a volunteer for the honor and betterment of Veterans until his death. Chuck worked in many fields during his life, but was especially proud of his time in the sales and customer relations at Lakewood Funeral Home & Memorial Park. He was a life member and past commander of the Modesto American Legion Post #74, a past member of both the California and National American Legion Press Association, past member of the Northern California Veterans Employment Council and a life member of the Disabled American Veterans Chapter #26. Chuck was a member of the Modesto Elks Lodge #1282 for 49 years. He was a past exalted ruler, past Elk of the year, as well as serving on the California-Hawaii Elks Association Central District's National Service Commission.
After his time in the military, Chuck's passion was his volunteer work for veterans. Some of which included coordinating the "Memorial Day Decoration of Graves" program at Lakewood Memorial Park; dedication of the "Veterans Garden of Honor"; raising funds for the Veterans flagpole; 12th District Adjutant for the American Legion; the Elks "Magazine Recovery Program", (which obtains reading material for patients of Veterans Hospitals) and many other programs benefiting America's Veterans.
Chuck enjoyed traveling with his wife Jane, golf in Maui, watching baseball, Chicago Bears football and NASCAR. He was a big fan of King's basketball attending many games. One of the great joys in his life was spending Saturday nights at the Stockton 99 speedway, watching his grandsons, Michael and Matthew race. He was their biggest fan!
A visitation will be held Thursday, August 25 from 4-8 PM with a chapel service on Friday, August 26 at 11:00 AM, both at Lakewood Funeral Home (Heritage Chapel), 900 Santa Fe Ave., Hughson, CA.
Chuck's family would like to give a heartfelt "thank you" to the staff of the Livermore Veterans Hospital for all their care and compassion. In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be sent to the American Cancer Association.
Published in the Modesto Bee on August 23, 2011
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