Hutchinson – Tom Leonard Wendel, 83, passed away on Monday, November 21, 2022 at Diversicare of Hutchinson.  He was born July 9, 1939 in Great Bend, KS to Pete and Bertha (Steimel) Wendel.

Tom was raised on a small farm in Ellinwood, KS.  He attended Ellinwood High School and graduated in 1957.  Following graduation, Tom enlisted in the Army Reserves.  He was honorably discharged in July of 1965.  On August 16, 1965 he married Marleen Hammeke at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church in Great Bend, KS.  They later divorced and Tom went on to marry Claudia Kay Flournoy on December 17, 1983 at St. Teresa Catholic Church in Hutchinson, KS.

After Tom was discharged from the military, he attended Fort Hays State University in Hays, KS where, in 1969, he received his Master's Degree in Special Education.  He was a teacher for schools in Kingman and Cunningham, KS and a curriculum advisor for the Institute of Logopedics in Wichita, KS.  Tom had a seat on the Council for Exceptional Children, and was also a member of The Arc of The United States for many years.  One of Tom's greatest joys came from helping individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Tom is preceded in death by his parents, Pete and Bertha Wendel; his beloved wife, Claudia Kay Greever-Wendel; two sisters, Audrey Puckett and Catherine Birzer; a brother, Jerry Wendel; and a step-son, Steven Greever.

He is survived by his three daughters and their families, Angela (Keith) Kimball and children, Brenden, Brett and Briana of Derby, Tamara (Sam) Thomas and children, Nathan Thomas and Ashley Gravatt of Oklahoma, and Leslie (Craig) Pedersen and children, Aria Pedersen and her significant other, Jared, Neil Pederson of Belton, MO and his significant other, Lauren, Noah and Nyle Pedersen of Hutchinson; two sisters-in-law, Janelle Caspar and Brenda Tiedtke; and a great granddaughter, Everly Pedersen.

A memorial service will be held Memorial Park Cemetery, 5905 W. 4 ^th Ave, Hutchinson, on Saturday, December 17, at 10:00 A.M.  In lieu of flowers, donations are suggested to TECH Foundation or The Arc and can be sent in care of the funeral home.  Hutchinson Funeral Chapel is in charge of the arrangements.

MEMORIAL CONTRIBUTIONS

TECH Foundation
or
The Arc

sent in care of
Hutchinson Funeral Chapel
300 E. 30th Ave
Hutchinson, KS 67502