Delmar Andrew Wendel

Delmar Andrew Wendel

1934-2022

Delmar Andrew Wendel, 88, died on July 1, 2022, at his home in Belen.

He was born Feb. 28, 1934, in Muscatine, Iowa, the son of Andrew Ferdinand Wendel and Alma Elsie Steffan. Del graduated from Bennett High School, and served in the U.S. Air Force for 20 years. During his service, he worked in nuclear testing, and ended his career as a sergeant. He was stationed in numerous U.S. states, Japan and Greenland.

He was married to Louise Jeffcoat for 20 years and had four children. He later was married to Kae Rae Patterson for 43 years. Kae and Del lived in Coal Valley Moline, Ill., and later moved to Belen.

Del was a member of VFW Post 2387, and served as commander. He founded and served as president of the German American Club, and assisted his wife, Kae, in the support of the Belen Art League. Delmar loved to write, and direct plays and skits with his friends and neighbors.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded by his wife, Kae; daughter, Tina Schnitzlein; brother, Ernie; and sisters, Ruby and Ima.

Surviving are Carm Wendel and Jamie Herrilko, of  Naples, Fla, Andrew Wendel and Tim Burton, of  Pensacola, Fla., and Pam O’Regan and Christopher Wainscott, of Naples, Fla. He had five grandchildren, Nathan Wagner, Michael O’Regan, Sean O’Regan, Shannon O’Regan and Breanna Schnitzlein; three great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews who he cherished.

Del and Kae will be interred in Durant, Iowa, and a celebration of their lives will be held at a later date.

Those who wish to remember Delmar in a special way may make gifts in his memory to VFW Post 2387, 325 S. 5th St., Belen, NM, 87002.