Russ Wendel

Russell A. Wendel, 69, of Clarion passed away Wednesday, January 26, 2022 at his home.

A Mass of Christian Burial for Russell Wendel will be held at 10:30 AM on Saturday, February 5, 2022 at St. John’s Catholic Church, 608 2nd Avenue North East in Clarion, with Father Jerry Blake officiating. Burial will be held at a later date.

Visitation will be held on Friday, February 4, 2022 from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Ewing Funeral Home, 1801 Central Avenue East in Clarion. Rosary will begin at 4:15 PM.

Russell Alan, son of Donald and Ruth (Riggs) Wendel, was born on August 28, 1952 in Moscow, Idaho. Russ grew up in California before attending junior high school in Cedar Rapids. Russ graduated from Wheaton North High School in Illinois. After high school, Russ attended Northwestern College.

On May 7, 1977, Russ was united in marriage to Catherine Lynch in Waterloo, and to this union, three children were born: Paul, Diana, and Sara. They then lived in Vail, Colorado, Cedar Rapids, and Ottumwa, Iowa, where Russ was in the hospitality business. While living in Ottumwa he finished college and got his teaching certificate at William Penn College in Oskaloosa and Cathy got her PHT. They then made their home in Clarion.

His first teaching job was in Lake Mills, Iowa, then taught in Wolbach, Nebraska, and later in Kanawha, where he taught for 10 years. He took a break from teaching and later retired from Clarion Packaging. During his retirement, Russ enjoyed substitute teaching for local school in the area. Russ loved learning, whether it be about history or cultures around the world.

Russ was an avid Fox News watcher. He enjoyed model trains and being a part of model train clubs. He was an avid reader and had a large history book collection, loved watching movies, playing music, and boating. Russ loved talking on the phone with family and friends, and in recent years enjoyed talking on the phone daily with his dad. His family was most important to him and loved spending time as a family. His favorite memories were taking family vacations and going to Christian concerts when his kids were growing up. Russ looked forward to their vacation every summer with his kids and grandkids. He also enjoyed being active in the Knights of Columbus.

Russ is survived by his wife Cathy of Clarion; children Paul (Danielle) Wendel of Omaha, Nebraska, Diana (Jon) Brienza of Des Moines, and Sara Kingsbury of Des Moines; grandchildren Lydia Brienza, Angela Brienza, and Thomas Brienza; father Don Wendel of Chicago, Illinois; siblings Gary (Caroline), Barb, Sally (Johann), Nathan (Jamie), and Amy (Dave); and many other family and friends.

He is preceded in death by his mother Ruth Wendel.

www.ewingfh.com

Ewing Funeral Home

1801 Central Avenue East

Clarion, Iowa 50525

515-532-2233