William E. Wendt

William E. Wendt, age 83, of Chanhassen. Owner and president of Wendt Laboratories, died Tuesday at a sub-acute rehabilitation facility in Bella Vista, AR. He successfully transitioned a hatchery business founded by his father into a pharmaceutical manufacturing company that was celebrating its 75th year of operations. He worked full-time at this enterprise until last May when he suffered a fall at his home. He was still recovering from his injuries when he died. He not only devoted himself to his business, but was an avid pilot, flying regularly until he was 81. It was at that point that he turned his interest to boating, thoroughly enjoying time with family and friends on Lake Minnetonka. He was a Navy veteran of World War II, stationed in Command Headquarters in Hawaii. Bill was a member of the Masonic Lodge in Luverne, MN, and a Shriner. He is survived by his wife, Phyllis; 4 children, 5 stepchildren, 10 grandchildren, 4 step-grandchildren, 1 great-grandchild and 1 step-great-grandchild, 2 brothers and 1 sister. He was preceded in death by parents, a sister and a previous wife. Funeral service Saturday (TODAY) at 3 pm, Minnetonka Seventh Day Adventist Church, 3500 Williston Rd., Mtka (952-935-2915). Visitation one hour prior to service at the church. Interment Sunday, March 24, 1 pm at Maplewood Cemetery, Luverne, MN. Memorials are being designated to the Shriner's Children's Hospital. Huber Funeral Homes Excelsior Chapel 952-474-9595

Published on March 21, 2002