It is with profound sadness and a heavy heart that the family of Lawrence Wendel (Larry) wanted to share that he went to be with the Lord on April 26, 2021. It was just shy of his 61st wedding anniversary to the love of his life. They shared a wonderful life together sharing their love of family and traveling whenever they could.
Larry joined the Air Force in the early 60's and his love for airplanes began. He went to school for electronics and became an electronics instructor for the Air Force. Then he went to work for Frontier Airlines for years. He changed his career path for a few years but decided to go back to airlines. Then he joined Continental Airlines until he retired. He did not stay retired long and continued freelance contracting with airlines around the world. This kept him traveling which he loved. You could find him on a beach with his metal detector whenever he had the opportunity.
Larry loved airplanes, traveling, metal detecting/treasure hunting, riding his motorcycle, hanging out with family/friends and all animals. I (his daughter) would tease him that he had the fattest squirrels I'd ever seen. He would go to McDonald's and get himself a coffee and a sausage mcmuffin for the squirrels. He adopted many abused animals and cared for them until the end of their lives. They knew love whenever Larry and his wife adopted them. All his animals were spoiled and treated like royalty. He did that with all those he loved, two legged and four legged.
Larry was just reminiscing about how he wished he could still ride his motorcycle. I have a fond memory of being a 9 year old daddy's girl, on a trip to Lookout Mountain on the back of his motorcycle. It was a beautiful time in life. I was always so proud of my Dad. I did Show and Tell field trip days where my classmates went to Stapleton Airport to see what my Dad did. Larry would show the class around the airplane and put them in the pilot's chair. Those were great memories for all the kids. Everyone would get their wings, now my dad has traded one set of "wings" for another. My dad is my HERO!
Larry was loved by many people. During the last days he received many calls that shared their love for him and some beautiful memories. He received a call from a man that Larry said was his supervisor at the airlines. He remembered being interviewed and hired in 1997 by Larry. He said he had such respect for Larry. The secretary called and said Larry was like the big brother she never had. She shared such wonderful stories with us. There were many calls and heartwarming stories that friends and family shared with my dad and the family. The love and stories shared were of no surprise to the family because Larry loved and treated everyone with such respect that they could not help but love him. He always worried about everyone and always wanted the best for everyone.
My family is so grateful to have had the time to care for Grandpa in the last days of his life in our home. It was our greatest honor. And, it was an honor to return to him the care and love he shared with so many. His Grandchildren are devastated by the loss of their beloved grandfather. He was a huge presence in their everyday life. His grandchildren would sit by his side and ask him if he remembered an event. Special memories were talked about and the recollection would light up grandpa's face. The joy and laughter filled the room. It was so heartwarming to see grandpa laughing. There were so many precious memories with grandpa. How do we go on when almost every event has grandpa in it? The family sat with grandpa, telling him how much he was loved by family, extended family and friends from around the world. He was all of our #1 always and forever.
Things we love the most about Larry: He was so king, loving, strong, protective, compassionate smart, funny, competitive, a thrill seeker - always had to be in the front seat of every roller coaster, best friend, fantastic husband and father.
We will forever remember and cherish your love. You gave so much & asked for so little. Gone from our sight, but never from our hearts. I know you'll always be near, watching over & guiding us.
Not even death can break the bond we have. You are the most amazing man we will ever know.
To the world you may have just been somebody, but to use you were the world. Larry was no ordinary man, he was a true gift from God.
You are dearly missed with a grief beyond all tears & heartache.
We are incomplete without you, I wish Heaven had visiting hours.
God please give Larry kisses from us everyday.
Rest in Glorious Peace Larry.
The family wants to send a special thank you to all the family and friends who he considered family. Who called and spoke with Larry before he passed. Those calls brought him comfort and joy. Thank you and God Bless you all.
Larry is preceded in death by his mother, father, sister, aunt D and son. He is survived by his loving wife, daughter, "son" in law, sons, granddaughter, grandsons, numerous loved nieces, nephews and cousins.
There will be no public celebration of his wonderful life. Celebrate privately that he was a part of your life, knowing that he treasured your love and friendship.
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