Martin P. Wendell

Martin P. Wendell, 85 of Prospect Heights was born Nov. 22, 1926 in Chicago to the late John G. and Theresa (nee Meilinger) Wendell and passed away March 7, 2012 at Addolorata Villa Health Care Center in Wheeling surrounded by his loving family. Martin was the beloved husband of the late Mary Jean (nee Vynalek); loving father of John G. (Laura), James P. (Noreen), Christine M. (Walter) Newman, Mary Beth (Raymond) Pettenuzzo, Matthew J. (Kathy), Monica J. (David) Kern and the late Martin J. (Barbara) Wendell Jr.; cherished grandfather of Jeanine (Adam) Boeche, Jesse Wendell, Diana (Erik) McNeill, Marty (Mary) Wendell, Lauren (Patrick) Hackett, Brad (Kristina) Wendell, Jared Wendell, Elizabeth (Rob) Globke, Katelyn Wendell, Scott (Kristen) Wendell, Molly Wendell, Martina Pettenuzzo, Kylie Wendell, Marissa Pettenuzzo, Danielle Kern, Jake Wendell, Anna Newman, Kevin Kern, Rosie Pettenuzzo, Joey Kern, Abby Wendell, Margherite Pettenuzzo and Josh Kern; great grandfather of Gabrielle, Avery, Joel, Grady, Bennett, Griffin, Connor, Nelson, Ida, Jimmy, Brendan and Eloise; dear brother of Marguerite “Pat” Wendell and the late Teresa Lorenz, Adele Brown, Georgine Tivnan and Joan Scullion. Martin is also survived by many nieces, nephews and cousins. He graduated from St. George High School in Evanston in 1944 and received an Associate’s Degree from Notre Dame University in 1949. He realized a lifetime dream of playing football at Notre Dame where he played as a member of the three championship teams of 1946, 1947, and 1948. He was later recognized for his playing by receiving the Colliers All-American Award in 1948 and the Chicago Sports Hall of Fame Award in 1985. In between he served in the Navy at Great Lakes. He finished his football career playing for the Chicago Hornets in 1949. He later pursued a career in his father’s business and became a carpenter contractor and eventually owned Wendell Builders Inc. until retirement. Martin dedicated his life to his wife, family, and faith. Visitation will be Sunday March 11, 2012 from 2-8 PM at Lauterburg & Oehler Funeral Home 2000 E. Northwest Hwy. Arlington Heights. Prayers will be said Monday March 12, 2012 at 9:45 AM at the funeral home and proceed to St. Alphonsus Liguori Church 411 N. Wheeling Road Prospect Heights for funeral mass at 10:30AM. Entombment All Saints Mausoleum. Contributions to Misericordia Heart of Mercy 6300 N. Ridge Avenue Chicago, IL 60660 appreciated.