Katherine Wende

Katherine Bontke Wende passed away July 17, 2012 at the age of 88. Graveside services will be 10:00 a.m., Friday, July 20, 2012, at the Abilene City Cemetery with Pastor Laverne Janssen officiating under the direction of Elliott-Hamil Funeral Home, 542 Hickory St. Visitation will be Thursday evening from 7 to 8:30p.m. at the funeral home.

Katherine was born on January 14, 1924 to August and Alma Bontke in Abilene. Katherine was a graduate of Abilene High School. After graduating she was active in supporting the war effort by volunteering at the USO Canteen in Abilene. After meeting at church camp in Cisco, Texas, Katherine married the love of her life, Ben Wende on May 1, 1947. She was a housewife and later in life she worked and retired from Sears.

Katherine lived almost all of her life in Abilene and was a faithful member of Our Savior Lutheran Church, where she was active teaching Sunday School and Confirmation classes.

Preceding her in death were her parents; her husband, Ben; one sister, Concordia Bontke; one son, Mark Wende; and one great-grandson, Samuel Parks.

Survivors include her children, Linda and Jeff Reed of San Antonio, Ted and Kim Wende of Merkel, Trina and Steve Parks of Tuscola; six grandchildren, Tricia and Steve Litton of New Boston, Wende Reed and husband Field Bruns of Midland, Stephanie and Bryan Cook of Buffalo Gap, Lt. Steven and Katie Parks of Beaufort, SC, Jenne and Jeremiah Schoenert of San Antonio, and Wesley and Donisha Campbell of Jacksonville, FL; and seven great-grandchildren, Christopher and Candice Vernon, Steven and Adelyn Parks, Meagan, Canyon and Logan Cook, and on the way baby Reed-Bruns.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial donation can be made to Hospice of the Big Country, (4601 Hartford St., Abilene, TX 79605) who lovingly helped and comforted her through the final hours before she joined her Savior in Heaven, or to a favorite charity of your choice.