Earl Wendorf

Earl Gilbert Roland Wendorf, age 91, formerly of New Germany, Minnesota died Friday, January 9th in Grapevine, TX as a result of complications of a stroke he suffered last July.

He was born December 8th, 1934 on his parent’s farm in rural New Germany, and spent the majority of the next 85 years living in sight of the family farm and the house where he was born. In November of 1961, he married the new local school teacher, Helen Heidelberger. Together, they built a home on 1½ acres of his mom and dad’s cow pasture and lovingly raised 4 children there. He always said he was glad his children were smarter than he was, and they always knew he underestimated himself.

He was blessed with the mind of an engineer, and after his military service, he trained as a draftsman at Dunwoody Institute in Minneapolis, Minnesota. He spent his entire career with Schwartz Manufacturing in Lester Prairie making and designing farm equipment. He was a detailed perfectionist in everything he did. This was evident in his home improvement and wood-working projects and in the world-famous wines he made. (OK, maybe the world-famous part isn’t exactly factual.)

He and Helen moved to Texas six years ago to be nearer to Mark and Lisa and their families. He enjoyed good health and an active life until his most recent stroke. Earl was a quiet, humble man of unwavering faith and was never happier than when he was surrounded by his family, singing, fixing something/anything or helping someone else.

He was still fluent in the German language that was spoken at home during his childhood and was proud to use it to communicate on the trips he took to Germany with Helen and their choir or anyone else who would speak it with him.

Survivors include his wife Helen, children Amy (Steve) Dorn, Lisa (Roger) Angel, Kris Wendorf, and Mark (Anita) Wendorf, siblings Virgil (Majel) Wendorf, and Lois Raduenz, as well as his grandchildren who he adored and who in return loved him back: Andy (Ariana) Dorn, Laura Angel, Tim (Brittany) Dorn, Nikki Angel, Kierra Wendorf-Finstrom, Katie Angel, Matthew Wendorf, Henry & Oliver Wendorf, Jessica Wendorf, and Emma & Izzy Wendorf.

He was preceded in death by his parents Elroy and Eveline (Kroells) Wendorf, brothers Merlin, Allen, and Roger who died in infancy, sister Joyce (Wendorf) Lanie, as well as many other brothers and sisters-in-law, aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.

For many years, he faithfully supported St. Mark Lutheran Church in New Germany, Minnesota, the church where he and all of his children were baptized and confirmed. He loved to sing and was a long-time member of his church choir, and the Norwood and the “Singing Friends” choruses. He could grind out deep, low bass notes like no one else. Currently, he’s blessed to be an eternal member of the most glorious choir ever.

Funeral services will be held at 11am Friday, January 16th at Peace Lutheran Church in Hurst, TX. Family members will be present at the church for visitation starting at 10am. A light luncheon will be provided immediately following the service.

In lieu of flowers, the family prefers memorials to Lutheran High School in Mayer, Minnesota or to St. Mark Lutheran Church in New Germany.

Expressions of sympathy may be sent to Helen at 2350 State Hwy 121, Apt. 3043, Euless, TX 76039.

Service will be live streamed on Peace’s YouTube page: https://www.youtube.com/@PeaceChurchDFW