Willis Wendell

Funeral services for Willis Wendell were held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, October 9, 2023, at Linwood Wesleyan Church in Sioux Falls, SD. Willis Wendell was born on November 15, 1933 in Dallas, SD, to Elmer and Alice (Jansen) Wendell. After attending school in Gregory, SD, Willis moved to Tacoma, WA and worked at Boeing Aircraft, joined the National Guard and the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. Following a tour in the Korean War, Willis returned to his hometown of Gregory, SD where he met and married Phyllis Neilan, his wife of 56 years. Together, they had two children, Will and Christi. Their family moved to Sioux Falls, SD in August of 1977 where Willis worked for Kolman Athey for many years, and for the Sioux Falls Public Schools prior to retiring in 1998.

Willis was a loving and supportive husband, father and grandfather. He was a dedicated member and priesthood member in the Community of Christ (formerly RLDS). He dedicated his life to serving God, his family and his church. His battle with dementia took much of his memory, but never diminished his love for his wife, children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and His God.

Willis F. Wendell of Sioux Falls, SD, passed away on Sunday, October 1, 2023, at Ava’s Hospice House, at the age of 89.

He is survived by his wife Phyllis, his children Willis (Will) Wendell, Jr., Christi (Darrin) Dickerson; sister Janyce Adams; brothers Delbert (Lois) Wendell, Dennis (Pam) Wendell; grandchildren: Ariel (Chris) Reynolds, Jessica Wendell, Jenna Wendell, Julianna Wendell, Avery Dickerson; and two great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Elmer and Alice Wendell; brothers Wayne, Kenneth and Donald Wendell; and brother-in-law, Howard Adams.