Michael L. Wendt

Mike Wendt, 69, of Herington, Kansas passed away Wednesday, March 15, 2023 at Good Shepherd Homecare & Hospice in Manhattan, Kansas, after multiple health complications. Mike was born on February 26, 1954, in Herington, KS to Glenn and Alice Wendt.  He was baptized and confirmed at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Herington and graduated from Herington High School with the Class of 1972. On May 25, 1974, he was united in marriage to his best friend and soulmate, Debbie (Schlesener) Wendt, also at St. Paul Lutheran Church.  Mike and Debbie were blessed with a daughter, Kendra. Mike had a zest for life and approached everything in his life with a strong and positive work ethic.  He always had a smile on his face and could light up any room.  This remained true all the way through the end of his life.  Mike had many hobbies including gardening, multiple home remodeling projects, cooking and baking, woodworking, camping, traveling, many trips to Branson with Debbie, and handyman projects for friends and family members.  He was always looking for the next big project or adventure.  He enjoyed spending time with his friends and family, and watching football and basketball games.  Mike adored his daughter Kendra, son-in-law Les, and grandkids Keira and Quinn, offering advice, a listening ear, or a joke and a smile. Mike worked hard his entire life, working briefly in construction before starting his 37-year career with the City of Herington.  He started as an electrical lineman, and later served many years as Utilities Superintendent.  With a servant leadership heart, he was always ready to help with disaster and storm relief at multiple cities across the state of Kansas throughout his career.  He also served in several capacities with the Kansas Municipal Utilities and Kansas Municipal Energy Agencies, holding the position of Chairman of the Mutual Aid Committee. He was preceded in death by his parents, his grandparents Solomon and Emilie Sader and Ted and Irene Wendt, and a stillborn sister, Glenda. He is survived by his devoted and loving wife of 48 years, Debbie of Herington, his daughter Kendra Kuhlman, son-in-law Les Kuhlman, granddaughter Keira Kuhlman and grandson Quinn Kuhlman, all of Manhattan, brothers Craig Wendt (Marcia) of Herington, Randy Wendt (Debbie) of Salina, Glenn Wendt (Berry) of Salina, sister Nancy Deason (Terry) of Wichita, as well as many close friends and relatives. He was an active and lifelong member of St. Paul Lutheran church, where he served on the church council, and as an usher, greeter, altar guild, offering counter, and delivered Meals on Wheels for many years. Friends are encouraged to visit and watch the memorial video with the family on Tuesday March 21, 2023 from 10:00 -10:45 a.m. at St. Paul Lutheran Church where his funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Memorials may be directed to St. Paul Lutheran Church.  Please sign his online guestbook and leave a memory of Mike at www.yazelmeglifh.com.