Born to Irene and Carl Wendler on July 31, 1939 near Ledbetter, TX, Joe grew up in Giddings, TX where he attended school and graduated from Giddings High School in 1957. He enrolled at Blinn College followed by Sam Houston State University where he majored in music. He played trumpet in Blume's Orchestra for seven years.
He married Karen Schultz in 1964, and they moved to Houston where he held several different jobs until he set up Power Audio Services, an electronics repair business specializing in power amplifiers. Joe “Hoss” enjoyed this work and especially enjoyed his association with many musicians in the Houston area and affiliation with Ronnie Machac with whom he shared their building.
As a hobby, Joe collected and restored Bakelite radios and was a member of the Houston Vintage Radio Association. He also spent leisure time doing woodworking, or as he called it “making sawdust.”
Joe was easy going and a friend to all. He smiled easily, laughed heartily, had a good sense of humor, and was known to enjoy an occasional Heineken. Joe loved music, especially improvisational jazz, blues, and Bach whom he called the “jazzer of the 18th century” for his counterpoint, polyphonic compositions.
True to character, he dealt with Parkinson's disease without complaint, lived as fully as he could, and finally, worn out in body and spirit, was unable to overcome its debilitating effects. He breathed his last on Monday, January 2, 2023.
Joe was predeceased by his parents, brothers Edwin, William, Carl, Jr., and Edward and sisters Linnie and Bernita Bunjes.
Survivors include his wife, Karen, brother Isidor of Marble Falls, and brother-in-law David Schultz and wife Judy. He is survived by special nieces Ronda and husband Steve Ueckert and Anita and husband Juan Alvarez, other nieces, nephews, grand nieces and nephews, cousins, and many friends. Survivors also include his great nephew and namesake Joseph Daniel Wendler and his family of New York City.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, January 28 at 2 PM at Heights Funeral Home, 1317 Heights Boulevard, Houston, TX with a reception to follow. Masks are recommended.
Memorial donations may be made to Houston Vintage Radio Association or a charity of one's choice.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.heightsfuneralhome.com for the Wendler family.
