Steve Wendt

Steve Wendt, 64, passed away peacefully and entered his Heavenly home on February 27th, 2021.

Steve was born in New London, WI on August 28th, 1956 to Wallace and Jane Wendt. Steve was the youngest of 6 and had 2 brothers and 3 sisters that he loved dearly. His first job was driving tractor for his dad and the Cenex Coop at the age of 15. Steve loved sports. He competed in track, football, softball, and basketball. Farm work and sports defined his daily routine and he had to pick one sport so he chose basketball. At 6’7” Steve was a large man and was a very competitive athlete throughout his high school career. When he was not playing basketball or helping his dad de-horn cattle Steve worked at Borden’s dairy in New London. In 1974 he graduated New London High School and went on to play college basketball at Milton College. He enjoyed playing college basketball and even traveled some during this time to tournaments in places such as Costa Rica. He had a hook shot that due to his stature and athleticism could not be defended. Steve graduated with honors from Milton College in 1979 with a degree in marketing and management. After college he got married, had 2 kids, and worked for the next 10 years managing Ben Franklin stores in Berlin, Burlington, and Waupun, Wisconsin. After Ben Franklin Steve took a job for the next 22 years as an advertising sales manager for the Action Advertiser / Gannett so his kids could go to school in one place instead of moving every couple years. He always put his family first. On July 4, 1999 he married Loni Sandvig at Ripon Immanuel Lutheran Church. During the last 10 years he took a “retirement” job working for the Ripon Commonwealth Press in Ripon, Wisconsin as an advertising and marketing specialist. Steve loved his co-workers and every account he worked on over the years and treated them like family. In Waupun Steve was involved with the Waupun Chamber of Commerce, volunteer work, singing with the United Men of Praise, Waupun Truck-N-Show, the Waupun Rotary Club, Lions Club, every morning coffee group, and the Ripon Chamber of Commerce marketing committee. Steve was a connector and knew everyone. He loved God, sports, the Badgers, Packers, watching sports, his grandkids and everyone else in his life.

Steve is survived by his wife of 21 years, Loni of Waupun; son, Aaron (Abigail) Wendt of Tulsa; daughter, Sarah (Caleb) Zavatchin of Oostburg and their six children: Jamison “JJ”, Westin, Taya, Nya, Elijah, and Mary; two step-sons: Josh (Brooke) Hanson of Eau Claire, and Matt (Anna Yeo) Hanson of New York; five brothers and sisters: Carol (Fred) Schulze, Jim (Jeanne) Wendt, Gary (Claire) Wendt, Vera Weathers, and Donna Michalkiewicz; two brothers-in-law: Rick (Marybeth) Sandvig and Dean (Karen) Sandvig; and many nieces, nephews, and friends.

Steve was preceded in death by his parents; Wallace and Jane Wendt; wife Carol; and step-daughter, Melissa Hanson.

Though his time on earth was short Steve made a large impact on everyone, lived a full life and will be greatly missed. The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.–Psalm 18:2.



Private family services will be held. Visitation will be held Saturday, March 6, 2021 from 10 a.m. until 12 noon at Werner-Harmsen Funeral Home in Waupun. Please follow current COVID-19 guidelines with mask wearing and social distancing.

To watch the service click on the services link below. It's available to watch online on Saturday at 12:30 p.m.

Steve Wendt Service




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