John Wendling

John was born on June 11, 1946 to Joseph and Lois Jean Wendling. He graduated from St. Peter's High School in 1964 and immediately joined the United States Marine Corps. He was assigned to the 3rd Naval District Brig in New York City. He was sent to Vietnam and was a sniper with the 7th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division. He returned home with numerous medals, including a Purple Heart.

John joined the Mansfield Police Department in June of 1968 and began as a "Beat Patrolman" walking "The Flats" of downtown Mansfield. During the 46 years of service, he spent 30 years as a detective and rose to the rank of sergeant and eventually lieutenant. He was in charge of the detective bureau for many years. John received numerous commendations and letters of appreciation for his excellent service to the community. He was a member of the Mansfield Police Pistol Team and won numerous trophies.

John, along with his brothers, had a gift for telling funny stories of things that occurred during their police days and also sad stories of events during the time they served their country in the Marines. John loved being a police officer and had a deep respect for the citizens of Mansfield and that became very apparent by the number of people from every walk of life that would stop to talk to him and show their respect to him.

John is survived by his wife, Karen Burggraf Eldridge Wendling. He is also survived by his mother, Lois Jean (Harold) Baughman.

When combining John and Karen's households, they had nine sons and two daughters: Scot (Gayle) Wendling of Lexington, Chris (Tammie) Wendling of Lexington, Shelley (Jeff) Boehm of Johnstown, Mark Wendling of Reno, NV, Matt (Katie) Wendling of Reno, NV, Tracy (Dave) Eldridge Meyers of Mansfield, Tim (Shuree) Eldridge of Mansfield, Michael Wendling of Lexington, Jeff Wendling of Ontario, Eric Wendling (Jenna) of Ontario, and Bryan Wendling of Cincinnati.

He is also survived by three brothers, Joseph (Candy) Wendling of Lexington, James (Janie) Wendling of Raleigh, NC, and Jan (Pam) Wendling of Mansfield; sister, Renata Mitzie (Gene) York of Ontario; brother-in-law, Michael (Sonya) Burggraf of Mansfield; and father-in-law, Richard Burggraf (Judy O'Hail) of Mansfield. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Zach, Jessica, Christopher, Whitney, Savannah, Taylor, Jay Jay, Michael, Seven, Quin, Cameron, Paige, Maddy, Peyton, Emma, and Tyson.

John was preceded in death by his father, Joseph Wendling, Sr.; brother-in-law, Richard Burggraf Jr.; mother-in-law, Patricia Burggraf; paternal grandparents, John and Margaret Wendling; maternal grandparents, Horace and Oral Jenkins; and nephew, David Wendling.

Family and friends are invited to visit on Thursday, December 18, 2014 from 2-8 p.m. at the Diamond Street Home of Wappner Funeral Directors, 98 S. Diamond Street, Mansfield. Memorial services presented by the Fraternal Order of Police will occur at 7:30 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Friday, December 19, 2014 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Peter's Catholic Church, 104 West First Street, Mansfield. Burial will follow in Mansfield Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Cops and Kids, F.O.P. Lodge #32, PO Box, 1632, Mansfield, Ohio 44901.