Ernest Charles Wendt

Ernest Charles Wendt, a man of unwavering faith, boundless humor, and a heart as big as his Christmas card list, was called to his eternal home on January 31, 2026. Born in Detroit on September 12, 1940, to the sainted Charles and Hattie (Piaskowski) Wendt, Ernie was baptized into the Christian faith on October 27, 1940, at St. John Lutheran Church, Detroit, by the sainted Reverend Gustav Claus. From that moment, his life became a testament to love, laughter, and service.

Ernie’s journey of faith and education began at St. John Lutheran School, Detroit, and continued through Lutheran High School West and Concordia Teachers College, River Forest, Illinois, where he earned his Bachelor of Science in Education in 1964. His passion for teaching and ministry led him to serve as a teacher at Zion Lutheran Church and School in Detroit and later in the public school system of Lincoln Park, MI, where he taught sixth grade for nearly two decades. Along the way, he earned his Master’s Degree in Education from Eastern Michigan University in 1971.

But Ernie’s calling didn’t stop in the classroom. In 1985, he answered the Lord’s call to ministry, completing his vicarage at St. John Lutheran Church, Palms, Michigan, and being ordained into the Holy Ministry in 1986. Over the years, he faithfully served congregations across Michigan, including St. John Lutheran Church (Palms), Trinity Lutheran Church (Sawyer), and St. Peter Lutheran Church (Bach), before retiring in 2002. Even in retirement, Ernie continued to preach, teach, and share the Gospel wherever he was needed.

Beyond his many accomplishments, Ernie was a man who truly lived life with joy and purpose. Known for his quick wit and endless supply of jokes, he had a knack for brightening the darkest days with laughter. He wasn’t a fan of computers or emails, but he had his own way of staying connected, sending out an astonishing 350 Christmas cards each year to those he loved and keeping a phone call list that rivaled any directory. Whether you needed a prayer, a laugh, or just a kind word, Ernie was always there.

Christmas was Ernie’s favorite time of year, and his love for the season was evident in his cherished collection of Santa figurines and playing cards. He found joy in the simple things—spreading holiday cheer, sharing stories, and making everyone feel like family.

Ernie was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Marilynn Rita (August 13, 2024), his sister Marlene Julia (January 29, 1960), and his nephew Mark Reginald (December 24, 2022) and his niece Jane Ellen (August 12, 2019). He is survived by his three sons, Adam-Henry, Andrew-Nathan, and Jon-Martin; his daughters-in-law: Heather, Mina, and Megan; his three grandchildren, Mariana, Clemente, and Logan Matthew; his nephew Claude Merl (Carol); and his grandnieces and grandnephews, Ann Julia (Dan), Claire Elizabeth (Chris), Sarah Noel, Jeffrey Mark (Rebecca), and James Robert.

Having received Our Lord’s Body and Blood in the Sacrament of the Altar on January 22, 2026, Ernie was prepared to meet his Savior face-to-face. He lived a life full of faith, love, and service, reaching the age of 85 years, 4 months, and 19 days.

The Lord giveth, and the Lord taketh away. Blessed be the name of the Lord.

Ernie’s legacy of faith, humor, and love will live on in the hearts of all who knew him. May we honor his memory by sharing a laugh, sending a card, or making a call to someone who needs it—just as he would have done.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, February 4, from 2:00 pm to 7:00 pm at Harry J. Will Funeral Home, 37000 Six Mile Rd, Livonia, MI 48152.

An in state will occur on Thursday, February 5, from 10:00 am to 11:00 am at St. Paul Lutheran Church, 420 W Liberty St, Ann Arbor, MI 48103, followed by a service beginning at 11:00 am. Ernest will be laid to rest at Glen Eden Memorial Park at 3:00 pm.

Contributions in his memory are appreciated to St. Paul Lutheran Church of Ann Arbor.