Gerald "Jerry" M. Wendel

Gerald "Jerry" M. Wendel, age 74, passed away on January 26th, 2024. He was born on July 20th, 1949, in Grand Forks, ND, to Jean E. (Maurstad) Wendel and Robert P. Wendel. He started his High School education at Central High School in Grand Forks, ND and graduated from Simley High School in Inver Grove Heights, MN in 1967. After graduation, he went to work for Whirlpool from 1967-1981. As a teen, he moved around with his family to many different places until he found his place to settle down in Forest Lake. He was proud of the home he built with all the trees on the top of the hill. At age 20 he was diagnosed with Crohn's disease and was part of a medical trial which resulted in several surgeries throughout his 20's and 30's. As invasive as that was, he was strong and persevered to see this trial save his life. He was one of the first real success cases and, as many would say, a "Medical Miracle". 

He enjoyed being outdoors, going camping with his family, riding motorcycles and so much more. He always liked to keep himself busy and could never sit still. He had a giant personality that filled the whole room. It's not going to be the same without seeing his quirky smile while he greets you with a grape Gatorade in one hand and a cigarette in the other. He will be greatly missed by so many!

He is preceded in death by his parents; Robert and Jean Wendel.

He is survived by his siblings, Carol Wendel, Robert "Bob" Wendel, and Michael "Scott" Wendel; children, Melissa "Missy" Wendel, Gerald "Jerry" Wendel, Jonathan "Jon" Wendel, and Jacob "Jake" Wendel and other family and friends.

To honor Jerry's memory, we are holding a Celebration of Life on Friday, March 1st, 2024, from 2-6pm at the Forest Lake Senior Community Center located at 767 4th St SW, Forest Lake, MN 55025. We invite anyone who knew Jerry to attend and remember his wonderful life. If you are not able to attend, but would like to send a plant or flowers, please send them to the Senior Center.