Gary Wendelin

He is survived by his son, Christopher (Jacqueline) Wendelin; his four grandchildren, Alexis, Christopher, Matthew, and Emma; his brother, Ron (Rosalie) Wendelin; his sister, Jody Quinn; and his many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews.

Gary was preceded in death by his wife, Barbara (Moretto) Wendelin; his parents, Leon and Lucille (Gardiner) Wendelin; his mother-in-law and father-in-law Dolores and Donal Moretto; and his brother-in-law, Mike Quinn.

Gary lived a life centered on his family, his friends, and finding the beauty in each moment. Whether you knew him for a lifetime or just a few minutes, the word people always used to describe Gary was "kind". He was an eternal optimist who brought enthusiasm and generosity to everything he did.

Born and raised in Bartonville, Gary grew up fishing, camping, and playing sports. He attended Monroe Grade School and Limestone Community High School. At Monroe, he met his grade-school sweetheart and the love of his life, Barbara Moretto. Gary and Barb were married for fifty years, building a life rooted in love, family, and good times with friends.

There wasn’t much that Gary couldn’t do. His combination of ambition and determination made no task impossible. He designed and built his first home with Barbara, and he spent his life building and looking for ways to make home improvements. He was also a musician, playing in a rock band in high school and then singing around the piano with family at every holiday party. He was an athlete who loved and excelled at every sport from baseball to snow skiing.

He started his professional life as a business teacher at Limestone before moving into pharmaceutical sales, eventually becoming a regional manager. His work ethic and warm personality earned him numerous sales and leadership awards throughout his career.

While Gary was dedicated to achieving professional success, his real purpose was his family and friends. On quiet afternoons, he loved sitting on the driveway with his neighbors, talking sports and "solving the world's problems."

Of all of Gary’s professional and personal accomplishments, his greatest skill was living in the moment. He had a rare gift for not taking life for granted. He loved the big moments, but he cared just as much about the everyday ones: taking long walks, watching a Cubs game, sitting around a campfire with friends, or spending time with his grandchildren. He loved life, and he loved sharing it with the people around him.

Memorial visitation will be held Friday, November 13, 2026 from 1 – 3PM at Davison-Fulton Bartonville Chapel, with a memorial service to immediately follow at 3PM. Cremation rites have been accorded.