SPARTA-Rudy H. Wendland, 87, of Sparta, died Friday, January 24, 2025 at Tomah Memorial Hospital, Tomah.
He was born March 19, 1937 to Harold and Julia (Ludeking) Wendland in the Town of Wellington, Wisconsin. On September 27, 1958, Rudy was united in marriage to Nina Bray. With this union two boys joined their family. Later, Rudy and Nina divorced.
Approximately a year after Rudy and Nina were married, Rudy enlisted in the United States Army. He did his basic training in Fort Riley, Kansas. After basic training, he was stationed in Korea, returning in two years to Colorado Springs where he then ended his military career.
Rudy worked for the Township of Wilton and Tillman’s in Wilton. He then worked as a Highway Worker (Patrolman) for the Monroe County Highway Department for over 30 years.
Rudy is survived by his two sons, Bruce (Cathy) of Elroy, Dale (Cheryl) of Sparta; brothers, Ed (Lillian), Ralph (Mary), Irv (Julie) all of Tomah; grandchildren, Jenna (Dani) Eno of Elroy, Shania Wendland of Elroy, Abigail (Wyatt) Shanahan of Ladysmith, Ben Wendland of De Soto; great grandchildren, Brayden Eno of Elroy, Delilah, and Natalie Wilcox of Elroy; special friend, Linda Richardson.
He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Alice Likely; granddaughter, Mikayla Wendland.
A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, January 29, 2025 at St. John’s Ev. Lutheran Church, Sparta, with Reverend Micah Schoeneck officiating. Burial, with full military honors provided by VFW Post 2112 and American Legion Post 100, both of Sparta, will be held in Mt. Hope Cemetery, Sparta.
Family and friends are invited for visitation from 4 p.m. until 6 p.m. on Tuesday, January 28, 2025 at Lanham-Schanhofer Funeral Home and Cremation, Sparta, and from 10 a.m. until 11 a.m. on Wednesday at the church. Online condolences may be offered at www.schanhoferfh.com
Lanham-Schanhofer Funeral Home and Cremation, Sparta, assisting the family with funeral arrangements.
Lanham-Schanhofer Funeral Home and Cremation
