Alton Charles Wendzel, of Watervliet, went to his heavenly home at age 94 on Aug. 1, 2024, with his loving family at his side.
Alton was born on July 30, 1930 to the late Robert and Pauline (Roekle) Wendzel. He spent his entire life in Bainbridge Twp., graduating from Watervliet High School in 1948. Postponing further education to remain on the farm with his father, he continued with classes through Michigan State University Extension, making him a loyal Spartan.
On Aug. 14, 1954, he married the love of his life, Mildred Janke. They were to celebrate 70 years of a wonderful marriage less than two weeks after his passing. They were blessed with three children; Gregory Alton, Bradley Milton and Jill Anne.
Alton started his career as a fruit farmer and expanded their acreage and started operating a small fruit packing operation. After his nephew, Rodney Winkel, graduated from Michigan State University he brought him on board to run the farm operation. Shortly thereafter when Barry Winkel, another nephew graduated and was working nearby, he brought him on to join the growing operation to focus on sales, and Greg Orchards & Produce was born. A few years later, his son, Brad, also graduated from MSU and joined the company as it expanded its storage and packing facilities. During that time Alton was the driving force in creating Coloma Frozen Foods from a failing co-op where Brad eventually migrated to and assumed a leadership role. The four of them enjoyed a close-knit partnership that went beyond business, enjoying their times together and Alton was and always will be “Uncle” or “Dad”.
Alton felt an obligation to serve the agricultural industry and served on boards and committees of numerous organizations including being the President or Chairman of the International Apple Institute, Michigan State Horticultural Society, Great Lakes Vegetable Council, Michigan Food Processors Association, Michigan Frozen Foods Packers Association, Cherry Marketing Institute, South Pass Products in IL, and was a founding member of CherrCo, a long member of Michigan Farm Bureau and was a “Cherry Man of the Year” recipient. He served on several bank boards, starting at First National of Watervliet and ended his banking experience as a board member of 5/3 Bank until his retirement. He was also active civically serving on both the Cribbs and Watervliet school boards, a long time Watervliet Lions Club member, serving on various committees at Salem Lutheran Church in Coloma and later attending Trinity Lutheran Church in St. Joseph.
An avid fisherman and hunter, Alton also enjoyed his golf and had memberships and friends at the Point ‘O Woods in Benton Harbor and Copperleaf CC in Florida. He went on few “big game” hunts preferring to continue his love of Michigan’s U.P. at A.J. (Alton & Jordie) Timbers, a cabin and hunting ground that he bought and developed with his friend the late Jordan Tatter. A.J. Timbers was both a hunting and fishing “camp” shared and enjoyed with friends and family throughout the year and a source of endless memories. Alton took some yearly fishing trips to Canada and fished the backwaters and bays in Florida, but his “backyard” ponds remained his favorite. Catching up to 1-lb. bluegill and largemouth bass in his own ponds, then preparing them for a fish fry using his “not so secret” recipe was a summertime family and friend favorite activity even with an occasional stray bone.
Alton and Millie loved to travel in the off seasons and were able to visit unique and exotic places throughout the world. They cruised, toured and ballooned with friends they traveled with and friends that they made during their travels. There were also exchange students that they housed and adopted as family with many still staying in touch after more than 45 years.
Alton leaves many to cherish the times and memories he created including his loving wife, Millie; son, Brad and his wife Joyce; daughter, Jill and husband Mike Piedt; his adored granddaughters, Pauline Wendzel, Alyson and husband Alex Grumbine, Haleigh and her husband Will Piepenbring, and Alexandreana Szotek and three great-grandchildren, Benjamin, Faline and Colton. Also, his “special” sister-in-law, Irma Krieger and sisters-in-law, Donna Janke and Leola Wendzel, along with many nieces and nephews. He loved and appreciated them all.
Alton was preceded in death by his parents and his young son, Gregory Alton in 1962, his brothers, Walter, Norman and Kenneth and sisters, Elanor, Louella and Virginia.
He will be greatly missed for his unique ability to combine a hard driving work ethic with a fun-loving nature. His ability to go from a hardnosed “discussion”, to plans for fishing or dinner in the blink of an eye, his ability to see through the “smoke screen” or “separate the fly speck from the pepper”, and his energy that allowed him to continue his passion for work while rarely missing the games, recitals and concerts of his grand and great-grandchildren will be remembered and kept in our hearts.
Visitation will take place on Aug. 14, at Starks and Menchinger Chapel, 2650 Niles Rd., St Joseph, from 4 until 7 p.m. The funeral service will be held at Trinity Lutheran Church in St. Joseph on Thursday, Aug. 15 at 1 p.m. with Pastor Michael Roth officiating. A burial will follow at New Hope Cemetery on North Branch Road in Bainbridge. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, Trinity Lutheran Church, The Dementia Society of America; www.dementiasociety.org or donor’s choice. A Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, Aug. 25 from 2–5 p.m. at the Point ‘O Woods Country Club, 1516 Roslin Rd., Benton Harbor. Those wishing to leave an online condolence may do so at www.starksfamilyfh.com. Arrangements have been entrusted to Starks & Menchinger Chapel and Cremation Services, 269-556-9450.
Comentários