Calvin E. Wendel

MASON CITY Calvin E. Wendel, age 77, of Mason City, passed away at his home, peacefully surrounded by his loving family, Saturday (June 6, 2009). Memorial services will be held at 1:00 PM, on Tuesday, June 9, 2009, at First United Methodist Church, 119 South Georgia Ave., with Rev. Jo Frahm Watkins officiating. Following Calvin's wishes, he will be cremated. A gathering of family and friends will be held from 5:00 to 7:00 on Monday, June 8, 2009, at Major Erickson Funeral Home, 111 N. Pennsylvania. Memorials may be directed to the Disabled American Veterans fund or the Calvin Wendel Memorial Fund.
Calvin was born on December 18, 1931, in Mason City, IA, the son of Howard and Vera (Willey) Wendel. He later moved to Plymouth to work on the family farm. He graduated from Plymouth High School in 1950 and later attended Hamilton Business College after being drafted into the U.S. Army on February 24, 1952. While in the Army, he received a Purple Heart (Oak Leaf Cluster) for wounds received in action against the enemy in vicinity of Christmas Hill in North Korea on July 17, 1953. He was carried across a river on a stretcher on his way to a Korean hospital. He was later stationed in Tokyo, Hawaii, and California. He also received a Bronze Star before honorably discharged on November 24, 1953.
Calvin married Shirley Humburg on October 16, 1954, at the Zion Lutheran Church in Clear Lake. From this union came two daughters, Connie and Sonia. He spent most his working career at Curries Company and was referred to by most as Smiley or Lucky.
His hobbies included fishing and hunting, trapping, showing off his cars, observing nature, traveling, casinos, and most of all, his family and friends. He was a member of the North Iowa Mopar Club and will be greatly missed by all who loved and knew him.
Calvin is survived by his wife of 54 years, Shirley; two daughters, Connie Wendel of Mason City, and Sonia and special friend Jeff Siebels; and his beloved pets, Boonster and Milo.
He was preceded in death by his parents; one brother, Kenneth; and many aunts, uncles, and cousins.