Keith Wendel

Keith Curtis Wendel, age 66, of Garnavillo, IA, died Tuesday, July 12, 2011, at the Guttenberg Municipal Hospital. Keith Curtis Wendel was born on November 7, 1944, on a farm near Clayton, IA to Curtis and Anita (Bass) Wendel. He was a 1962 graduate of Monona High School and served in the United States Air Force during the Vietnam War era. He married Dorothy Rohner Miller on June 28, 1969 in Garnavillo, Iowa. Keith worked for the Clayton County Dairy Heard Improvement Association for many years. He had a strong passion for his 1931 Model A Ford and woodworking. As a fine wood-turning craftsman, Keith created many beautiful heirloom pieces for his family and friends. He also exhibited and sold his work at various fine-arts shows. In addition, he donated many items for charity auctions. Keith is survived by his wife, Dorothy; children, LeeAnn (Kurt) Strand of Galena, IL and Kurt (Amanda) Wendel of Robins, IA; a sister, Sharon (Wayne) Desotel of Luana, IA and four grandchildren: Madelyn and Klara Strand and Ellie and Katherine Wendel. He was preceded in death by his parents. Keith battled Type I diabetes and all of its complications for 42 years and received his health care at the Veterans Administration Center in Iowa City. He has made a whole-body donation to the University of Iowa Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology for medical research.In Lieu of other expressions of sympathy, donations may be made to the American Diabetes Association, Iowa City Veterans Medical Center, Iowa Hospice which is located at 18 E Main St. New Hampton, IA 50659-2116 or donations may be sent to P.O. Box 94, Garnavillo, IA 52049.Memorial Service: Friday 11:30 A.M. July 15, 2011 at the Trinity Lutheran Church Guttenberg, IowaVisitation: Friday 10:30 - 11:30 A.M. July 15, 2011 at the Trinity Lutheran Church Guttenberg, Iowa Service Information A service summary is not available