John Wendt Obituary

John Douglas "Jack" Wendt, age 89, of West Dundee, was born to Clarence and Ruth (Miller) Wendt in Elgin on October 22, 1935. He died peacefully at home on November 15, 2024.

A lifelong resident of West Dundee, he graduated from Dundee Township High School in 1953 and from Cornell College with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in 1957. From 1957 through 1974, Jack taught in Dist. 1, Barrington, which included Sunnyhill and Hickory Hill Schools, in Carpentersville. In 1974, he moved to Dist. 220 in Barrington, first to Lines and then Roslyn Road Schools. During his years as a teacher, he earned an MA in Environmental Studies.

In 1964, he was part of a committee under the auspices of the Friends of the Dundee Township Library, which founded the Dundee Township Historical Society. That year, he became a member of the Board of Directors of the Historical Society at its outset and remained a board member for the rest of his life. During his tenure, he served as co-chair of the Museum Committee and later the Chair of the Historical Sites Committee.

In 1966, he married Nancy Davies, a fellow teacher who grew up in Wayland, Iowa, and graduated from Trinity College in Chicago. To the Wendts were born Christopher (1969) and Andrew (1971).

One of Jack's passions was the plight of homeless animals; many of us have as companions, dogs especially, and cats. As a fervent birder, he was greatly concerned about the increasing endangerment and extinction of avian species. His great love for animals was reflected in his canine companions, Randy, Finn, Willy, Toby and Gracie, as well as felines, Shadow, Bobbie and Motley. He helped support many animal organizations, including Anderson Humane Society in Elgin, PAWS Chicago (in memory of his son Andrew), the Washburn County Humane Society, Spooner, WI, and Winged Freedom, Spooner, WI.

Those who died before him include his parents, Clarence and Ruth, his only sibling, Richard, and beloved sons, Christopher and Andrew. He is survived by his wife, Nancy, daughters-in-law, Lillian and Carissa, and granddaughter, Patricia Rose Wendt.

At Jack's request, he was cremated. Family and Friends will gather for a Memorial Funeral Service on Thursday, December 19, 2024, at 10:30 A.M. at the First United Methodist Church 318 W. Main Street in West Dundee. Burial will be private at the East Dundee Cemetery. Jack's ashes will be interred beside those of his son Christopher.

Memorials may be given to the Dundee Township Historical Society or one of Jack's favored animal sanctuaries.

Miller Funeral Home in West Dundee is assisting the family with all arrangements. To leave an online condolence, please visit www.millerfuneralhomedundee.com. For info, please call (847) 426-3436.

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