Vernette Dorothy Wendler, age 93, passed away peacefully on February 5th, 2021 at Cedarbrook of Bloomfield Hills, Bloomfield Hills, MI. She was predeceased by her loving husband Carlton J. Wendler, her son James Wendler, her devoted parents Wilhelmina and Herman Priebe, her brother Pastor Weldon Priebe, her sister Verneil Priebe and granddaughter Michelle Dekar.
Vernette was born on January 16th, 1928 in Osseo, Minnesota. She was the third born in their family of four children. She was raised in Minnesota and attended Robinsdale High School, graduating in 1945 at the top of her class. Vernette graduated from the University of Minnesota in 1949 with a degree in Public Health and Dental Hygiene. She worked in many capacities in her profession. While attending college, Vernette met her future husband, Carl Wendler, and they were united in marriage on August 23, 1952. They were blessed with four children, two girls and two boys. Carl had a busy career in sales management for GM, requiring the family to move to a variety of places across the Midwest. Their journey together began in Grand Forks, ND and continued to Fargo, ND, Golden Valley, MN, Westmont, IL, with their final stop in Bloomfield Hills, MI.
Vernette was a gentle, quiet leader who lived her life with determination, kindness, and humility. She cherished her family and took a special interest in each of them. She enjoyed a good game of bridge with her friends, challenging jigsaw and crossword puzzles and tending to her garden. She also enjoyed trying out new recipes with her family as her loyal taste testers.
Vernette was steadfast in her faith and a dedicated volunteer at St. John Lutheran Church in Rochester MI. She was an Altar Guild Chairwoman for 25 years, on the Board of Women's Ministries, a member of the Hannah Circle, and a Stephen’s Minister. She also volunteered at St. Joseph Mercy Hospital in Pontiac, MI for 26 years.
Vernette is survived by her devoted children Deborah (William) Hattle, Linda (Thomas) Dekar, and Steven (Susan) Wendler. She is also survived by her younger brother Luther (Phyllis) Priebe. She will be greatly missed by her loving grandchildren Melissa Hattle, Jon (Maria) Dekar, Megan Steeg, Rachel Dekar, Jason Wendler and Eric Wendler as well as her beloved great grandchildren Nathen Steeg and Theo Dekar.
Vernette’s family is forever grateful to the Cedarbrook staff and Tiffany, Margaret, Robyn and Karla for their loving care and commitment to our mother.
Vernette will lie in state on Friday February 26th from 10:30am until the time of the funeral service at 11am at St. John Lutheran Church, located at 1011 W. University Drive in Rochester.
Donations in her memory may be made to the St. John Lutheran Church Legacy Foundation at 1011 W. University Drive, Rochester, MI 48307.
