Donald Russell Wendlandt, Sr.

Donald Russell Wendlandt, Sr., age 82 of Randolph, went to his eternal home on Thursday, June 16, 2011 at Golden Living Center-Continental Manor in Randolph.

Don was born on June 10, 1929 in Portage, a son to Edwin and Marion (Russell) Wendlandt. Don graduated from Randolph High School in 1947, and he attended Platteville State Teachers College. He taught Ag Veterans for a short time in Arena until he was drafted into the United States Army and served during the Korean Conflict. On May 23, 1954 he was united in marriage to Ada Weinberger in Fall River. Don and Ada moved to the family farm near Randolph, where they have spent over fifty years. Don worked hard, receiving numerous dairy production awards and was very proud that his son joined the family business as a fourth generation farmer. Don and Ada enjoyed housing exchange students over the years, and made several trips to Europe to reconnect with them. He enjoyed sports; playing in the Home Talent League when baseball was at its zenith in Randolph, and was later inducted into the Rock River Hall of Fame. In later years he could always be found in his recliner as a loyal Badger and Packer fan. Don avoided the daily grind of life by exhibiting a unique sense of humor. He was a loving husband, father and grandfather who was proud of his family. Don joined the Randolph United Methodist Church as a young man and exercised his faith as a dedicated member and service on the church board for many years. Don served on the Randolph High School Board and provided significant influence in the building of the new high school. He belonged to the Randolph VFW Post 9510 and was a member of the Masonic Lodge.

Donald is survived by Ada, his wife of fifty-seven years, his five children; Donald (Renee) Wendlandt Jr., Randolph, Keith (Suzanne) Wendlandt, Beaver Dam, Dana (Rosanna) Wendlandt, Dalton, Lisa Wendlandt and her significant other Scott Lindeman, Waupun, Barry Wendlandt, Randolph, nine grandchildren; Wendy, Lori (Jason), Bucky (Jackie), Jennifer (Paul), Ryan (Kayla), Kendelle and special friend Matt, Rusty (Amy), Devin and Danica, step-grandchildren; Brandon, Krissy, and Curtis, eleven great-grandchildren, his sister Barbara Jacobs, Florida, and a nephew, Dean Jacobs; brothers and sisters-in-law; cousins; other relatives and many friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

A Celebration of Don’s Life will be held at 2:30 p.m. on Sunday, June 19, 2011 at the United Methodist Church of Randolph, 227 N. High Street, with Rev. Jeff Meyer officiating. Burial will follow in the Randolph Cemetery with military honors provided by the VFW Post 9510 of Randolph.

Donald’s family will receive relatives and friends on Saturday, June 18 from 5 – 8 p.m. at the Randolph Community Funeral Home, 208 S. High Street, and at the church on Sunday from 1:30 until the time of service.

A memorial fund has been established for the William S. Middleton Memorial Veterans Hospital, 2500 Overlook Terrace, Madison, WI 53705

Randolph Community Funeral Home is serving the family.