Gretchen Wendel

Gretchen H. Wendel, of St. Peter passed away on Monday, January 25, 2016 at

Sand Prairie Assisted Living. Gretchen was born on January 19, 1921 to Harry and Rose Steffen on a farm North of Lakefield, Minnesota. She was baptized and confirmed at Immanuel Lutheran Church. She attended country school, graduating from Lakefield High School in 1938.

 On April 11, 1940 Gretchen was united in marriage to Harold Wendel. After their wedding they moved to the family farm where they lived for the next 57 years and raised their family. Gretchen worked along side her husband helping on the farm and also was bookkeeper/dispatcher for their custom baling and trucking business.

 Gretchen was very active in her church’s Ladies Aid, serving as president, vice president and secretary over the years. She was also involved in a neighborhood Bible study class, which met for over 35 years. She also enjoyed an Extension group, which evolved into a birthday club where treasured friendships were made. Crocheting was a pastime where she made beautiful doilies for family and friends.

   In 2008 Gretchen moved to St. Peter so she would be closer to her family. She is survived by her children: Wayne (Joanie) of St Peter, Walter (friend Carrie Nannetter) of Charles City, IA Wallace (Judy) of Owatonna, Shirley (Scott) Solyntjes of Sibley, IA. She is also survived by seven grandchildren, nineteen great-grandchildren and five great-great grandchildren. She is also survived by sisters Bernice Tusa and Delores Steffen and a brother, Lloyd Steffen, along with many special nieces and nephews.

She was proceeded in death by her, parents, husband, Harold, in 1996 and brothers, Harland, Eugene, and Warren.

 In lieu of flowers the family request that memorials be given to the donor’s choice.

 Heaven now has a very special angel!

Funeral is 11:00am Saturday, January 30, 2016 at St. Peter Evangelical Lutheran Church, St. Peter with visitation beginning at 9:30am. Burial will be 3:30 pm Saturday at the Rost Cemetery, rural Lakefield. St. Peter Funeral Home is assisting with arrangements.