Wayne William Wendt was born June 17, 1949 in Lynch, Nebraska to Vernon and Mary Lou (Soukup) Wendt. He grew up near Gross, Nebraska and was in the last eighth grade class to attend the Gross school. He attended St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Spencer with his family. Wayne was a member of Spencer High School Class of 1967. He enlisted in the U.S. Army and left for basic training in Ft. Polk, Louisiana on his 18th birthday.

Wayne served in Vietnam, hauling supplies and troops to firebases. He developed a deep bond with the guys of the 515th Transportation Company. While there, he experienced a defining moment when he rolled a truck and felt God pull him through the canvas top of the cab. After his tour was done in Vietnam, he served for three months in Germany. He was Honorably Discharged on March 15, 1971.

While stationed in Vietnam, Diana Milacek, a girl from the neighborhood started writing him letters and they fell in love. Wayne returned to the farm in March, 1971. The couple was married July 3, 1971 in the Methodist Church in Bristow, Nebraska, starting out with little more than an opportunity.

The couple made their home on the Landholm place, north of Bristow where they raised their three children, Jeffrey Wayne, Mandy Sue and Michael James. As a father, Wayne taught his children how to work hard and have fun. When they weren’t working together on the farm, the Wendts enjoyed many family vacations and spent countless summer evenings and weekends at their cabin on the river.

Wayne was a great farmer. He and Diana raised a variety of crops and livestock through the years. He did custom farming, sold seed corn, and was a mentor to many young farmers in the area.

He was a member of the Bristow United Methodist Church, Spencer American Legion, Nebraska Salers Cattle Association, and Save Boyd County. He served on the REA Board and as a 4-H Leader.

Wayne liked to travel. He had been to Canada, Europe, Alaska, and most of the U.S. National Parks, but never found anywhere better than home.

Wayne loved to hunt and fish with his family and friends. He was a charter member of the Gross Coyote Club.

Most of all, Wayne enjoyed his family. His biggest joy was being a grandfather and he was determined to spend enough time with his grandkids that they would have many wonderful memories with him.

Wayne is survived by his wife Diana Wendt of Bristow; three children, Jeff Wendt of Spencer, Mandy (Todd) Maher of Shenandoah, IA, Michael (Brenda) Wendt of Bristow; eight grandchildren, David Wendt, Darin Wendt, Heather Wendt, Bailey (Nick) Dinges, Summer Maher, John Wendt, Paige Wendt, Abbie Wendt; sisters, Diane (Tom) Ellis of Mead, Marcia (James) Maly of Yankton; brother, Greg Wendt of Bristow; aunts and uncles, Frank (Diana) Soukup of North Carolina; Alice Krotter of O’Neill, Dorothy Connot of Lincoln, Arlene Connot of Spencer, Cathy Fuxa of Humphrey, Carol (Dean) Kruse of Norfolk, Dave (Linda) Soukup of Kansas City; mother-in-law, Arlene Hargens of Spencer; brother-in-law Duane (Anita) Milacek of Omaha; sisterin- law Joan (Steve) Vakoc of Verdigre; and many nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Michael and Steve (Rhonda) Wendt; sister, Karen Wendt; uncle, Tom Soukup; nieces, Theresa and Andrea Ellis; and great-nephew, Kroy Vandenberg.