Earl W. Wendland

Earl W. Wendland, age 87 of Leonardville, Kansas, died Tuesday, April 9, 2013 at the Leonardville Nursing Home. He was born in the Peach Grove Community in northern Riley County on May 11, 1925, the son of Alvin Otto and Viola Mae (Price) Wendland. He graduated from Olsburg High School in 1943. On September 1, 1950 at Kinsley, Kansas, he was married to Jean Scott. They lived in Manhattan and farmed what is currently Cico Park. Later they moved to the Peach Grove community where they farmed and operated a dairy for over 40 years. He also was a soil conservation contractor, building terraces for farmers. Earl owned the first self propelled combine in Riley County and did custom harvesting. Earl was a member of the Fancy Creek Zion United Methodist Church, Riley County Soil Conservation Contractors, Kansas Jersey Cattle Club, Mid-America Dairy Producers and Kansas Farm Bureau. He also served on the College Hill School Board in Manhattan and was a project leader and proud supporter of 4-H. Earl enjoyed watching all of his children and grandchildren play sports and participate in livestock shows. He was an avid K-State sports fan and enjoyed reading farm magazines and the area newspapers. He is survived by his wife Jean Wendland; two sons, Gary Wendland and wife Vicki of Manhattan and Ron Wendland and wife Susan of Leonardville; four daughters, Cindy Johnson and husband Mike of Leonardville, Teresa Slansky and friend Dudley Baker of Beatrice, Nebraska, Kathy Wendland of Manhattan and Lisa Dickinson and husband Doug of Glasco; three brothers, Phil Wendland, Alvin Wendland, Jr. and Glenn Wendland; one sister, Mary Pridey; ten grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by one brother, George Wendland and one sister, Lucille Volkel. Funeral services were held on April 13, 2013 at the Leonardville United Methodist Church in Leonardville, Kansas with Rev. Deborah Hanes-Nelson and Pastor Kevin Larson officiating. Music was furnished by Barbara Lee and Sharrie Peterson. Honorary Pallbearers were Jacinda Dickinson, Cecilia Lawson, Chelsea Mansor, Chesnie Dickinson, Katie Wendland and Emily Zeka. Pallbearers were Chad Johnson, Danny Johnson, Jason Ambrose, Ty Wendland, Steve Lawson and Jason Mansor. Burial was in the Randolph Fancy Creek Cemetery. A memorial has been established for the Riley County 4-H Council. Memorial contributions may be left in care of the Anderes-Pfeifley Funeral Home.