James Edward Wendt, 88, of Litchfield, died Saturday, Oct. 14, 2023 at 8:55 p.m. at Litchfield Health and Rehab in Litchfield.
Visitation will be held on Friday, Oct. 20, from 10 a.m. until noon at the First Presbyterian Church in Litchfield. Funeral services will follow at noon, with the Rev. Gary Schwab officiating. Private family inurnment will be held at Camp Butler National Cemetery. Plummer Funeral Home is assisting the family.
Mr. Wendt was born Dec. 29, 1934 in Evergreen Park, the son of Roy Edward and Lorene Katherine (Knutson) Wendt. Having a summer wedding, James and his bride, Betty Ann Zeaske, were wed on June 5, 1955 in Peru, IL, and she survives. He was an honorable veteran of the U.S. Army - SP4 - Signal Corps from 1957 to 1959.
A member of the Teamsters Local 705 in Chicago, he drove for Northshore Truck Lines, Buske Lines, Schmidt Trucking and Nestlé Corp. Mr. Wendt accomplished the Million Mile award while driving for Nestlé Corp., as he drove all over the United States and Canada.
When he wasn’t working over the road, Mr. Wendt loved spending time with his family and traveling with his wife. He was also a member of the Mt. Moriah Lodge #51 A.F. and A.M. for 50 years, Order of the Eastern Star in Peru, IL, and of the Litchfield Boat and Ski Club.
In addition to his wife, Betty, Mr. Wendt is survived by their son Gary (Colleen) Wendt of Carlinville and daughter Susan (Donald) Sperry of La Grange, NC., three grandchildren, Rory Sperry, Shawn Sperry and Christine (Shane) Bray; and two great-grandchildren, Carter Bray and Roman Bray.
Mr. Wendt was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Robert Wendt.
The family suggests memorials to be directed to First Presbyterian Church in Litchfield. To sign the online guestbook, light a virtual candle or for directions, visit www.plummerfuneralservices.com.
