Walter Wendel, 78, Charles City

Walter Wendel, 78, of Charles City, passed away Thursday, April 9, 2026, at Manly Specialty Care in Manly, Iowa.

A private family graveside service was held at Riverside Cemetery with Father Matthew Solyntjes officiating.

Walter D. Wendel was born on April 28, 1947, to Harold and Gretchen (Steffen) Wendel in Lakefield, Minnesota. He was baptized and confirmed at Immanuel Lutheran Church. Walter grew up on the family farm where he had many treasured memories as a child with his siblings along with an assortment of cousins who lived close by.

Walter attended Lakefield Public Schools and moved to Worthington, Minnesota at age 16 to work at the Shelter for the Handicapped. In the early eighties he moved to Charles City, Iowa. He was employed with Jendro Sanitation and also had several paper routes where his customers looked forward to seeing him come down the street pulling his red wagon full of papers.

His favorite part of the day was going to the local coffee shop where many lasting friendships were formed. Walter was a very sociable person and enjoyed visiting with anyone who would stop and chat.

Due to health reasons Walter moved to Manly Care Center in September 2021.

Walter is survived by his brothers, Wayne (Joanie) Wendel of St. Peter, Minnesota and Wallace Wendel of Owatonna, Minnesota; sister, Shirley (Scott) Solyntjes of Sibley, Iowa; and many nephews and nieces.

He was preceded in death by his parents and a sister-in-law, Judy Wendel.

Hauser Weishaar Funeral Home, (641) 228-2323, 1205 South Main Street, Charles City, Iowa 50616 is in charge of local arrangements.  Online condolences may be left on the Tribute Wall for the family at www.hauserfh.com.