Wendell Wemple

Wendell Howard Wemple, 87, of Battle Creek, died Monday, December 31, 2012 at Bronson Methodist Hospital in Kalamazoo. He was born in Battle Creek on January 28, 1925 to George and Lillian (Halder) Wemple.

During WWII, Wendell served in the U.S. Army, stationed in the Pacific. On October 9, 1948, Wendell married Alora Mae Judy at St. Philip Catholic Church. They had five sons and two daughters. Last October they celebrated their 64th wedding anniversary.

Wendell retired from the Battle Creek Air National Guard Base, where he worked in maintenance. During retirement he enjoyed spending time in his work shop. He was a long-time member of St. Philip Catholic Church.

Wendell was preceded in death by his parents, a brother, Gaylord; a son, David; and two grandchildren, Gregory and Jamie. He is survived by his wife, Alora; a sister, Donna (Chet) Thiessen of East Leroy; sons Dwain (Karen), Michael, Brian (Shawn) and Christopher (Lisa); two daughters, Sherri Wemple and Julie Ayres, all of Battle Creek; 13 grandchildren, 9 great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

At the request of the family, they will receive friends on Friday, January 4, 2013 from 4-7 p.m. at the Farley-Estes & Dowdle Funeral Home, with a Rosary Service at 7 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 1:00 p.m. Saturday, January 5 at St. Philip Catholic Church, by Father Francis A. Marotti, Celebrant. Interment will follow at West Pennfield Hicks Cemetery. Those wishing to make memorial donations are asked to consider the American Diabetes Association or St. Philip Catholic Church.