Wendell Gay Alcorn, Sr.

June 26,1936 - June 15, 2024

Dad was born in Harlem, Montana to Erma Hulse and Lorenzo Alcorn. Together they had 6 children: Robert, Merlon, Wendell, Nolan, Gwen and Orba. He lost his dad at age eight due to a tragic accident. Times were hard for the family, but they were blessed with an incredible mother. She later married Carl Winter and they added another son, Fred, to the family.

Wendell married Kay Schend and they had 7 children: Merlon, Wendell Jr., Barbara, Connie, Bill, Sherrie and Bryan. He later married Jean Schiller and together they gave us another brother, Earl. Jean was the love of his life and for 50 years, until her passing in 2017, he always referred to her as "My bride."

Heaven will be entertained now that Dad has arrived and gained a true showman. There's one word we can use to describe Dad. Charismatic! He had the presence, the voice, the looks, the hair, the physique, the talent, and he knew how to command an audience. He was tall, dark and handsome, a true "tall drink of water" as they say. I think we can all agree - our dad was one of kind! He kept all of his hair as he aged, and we watched it turn silver, then white, making him look even more distinguished. He loved playing his guitar and singing the country western music of Hank Snow, Hank Williams, Johnny Cash, etc. Everywhere he went, he touched the lives of innumerable family, friends, associates, and strangers, and left a mark on each heart. When arriving somewhere, he liked to introduce himself by announcing, "It's me, Wendell G!" and when leaving, he would say, "I'm glad you got to see me."

He was an exceptional dancer and could really cut a rug! It was fun to waltz with him, and to watch him jitterbug with Jean at our family reunions. He lived for, and never missed, the Hulse family reunions in Ririe, Idaho. He often won the Horseshoe competition no matter who his partner was. He had a sharp intellect and memorized many lengthy songs and poems, but his favorite, which he shared at every reunion, was "Old Doc Brown." He had a deep love for his heritage and ancestry and taught his kids to know their roots. His favorite saying was, "It's all about F-A-M-I-L-Y." He loved traveling and would often "load up and take off" to visit family all over the country.

He was a playful, fun dad who challenged us with feats of physical and intellectual skill. He could actually walk on his hands around the whole front yard! He had a quick wit and was always ready with a funny response.

He was also stern when he felt it was necessary. He wanted his children and grandchildren to learn responsibility and independence. One of his favorite sayings was, "Always be a leader. If someone jumped off a cliff, would you follow?" All of his children have had success in their chosen fields, and he was very proud of all of them. Although he was unable to serve in the military because of an injury suffered as a young man, he was very happy that two of his sons served our country - Merlon in the Navy, and Bill in the Army.

From a young age, Wendell was a hard worker. He milked cows, harvested sugar beets, delivered flour, and did any job he could get…and did them well. He even worked as a carney! He was very proud of his career as a mechanic and electrician, owning his own shop at one point. He also worked as a long-haul trucker, and as a heavy equipment operator with the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW). His fate changed in January of 1983 when he met Jim Fuskindrakis at Jim's new restaurant. It didn't take them long to become best friends, and they worked together for 40 years to help make Jim's Family Restaurant a successful venture. Jim and Kathy, and their children: Mike and Becky Fuskindrakis; Maria and Matt Clayton; and Katina Fuskindrakis, soon became part of our family.

Dad had a personal, abiding love for his Father in Heaven Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ that never wavered. He fulfilled his church callings with dedication and honored his priesthood by giving his children needed blessings and prayers. Dad, we know you are happy in heaven, reunited with all of our loved ones who welcomed you home. We will all miss you terribly, but we are grateful for the knowledge that we will be reunited on the other side of the veil.

He was preceded in death by his wife Jean; father Lorenzo; Mother Erma; two brothers Robert and Nolan; three sons Merlon, Bill, and Earl S. Alcorn, son-in-law Brad (Barbara); grandson Jared, and great-grandson Merrick.

He is survived by two brothers Merlon and Fred; two sisters Gwen and Orba, two sons Wendell, Jr., and Bryan (Corin); three daughters Barbara (Brad), Connie (Rick), and Sherrie (Bobby); eleven grandchildren: Ben, Kristi, Kyle, Brandon, Gareth, Gavin, Tonnie, Dallin, Kayla, Melanie, and Mason; fourteen great-grandchildren: Ashton, Aishia, Devonte, Brymir, Liam, Bentley, Briella, Brynlee, Nicco, Parker, Annabelle, Lola, Hallie, and Emma; and two great-great-grandchildren: Zyler and Kannon

There will be a viewing on June 24, 2024, 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Valley View Funeral Home located at 4335 W. 4100 S., West Valley City, Utah.

Another viewing will be held on June 25, 2024, 11 a.m. to 11:45 a.m., before the funeral service which begins at 12:00 p.m., at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints,

3274 Hillsdale Drive, West Valley City, Utah.

We will hold a graveside service following the funeral service at Valley View Funeral Home at 4335 W. 4100 S., West Valley City, Utah, after which we will return to the church for a luncheon.

For those unable to attend in person you may watch the service by Zoom at:

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84224556300?pwd=bFdxVEVoMXU1cHIEUzdCQkFQSU94UT09

Meeting ID: 842 2455 6300

Passcode: 123456

You may send flowers if you wish to Valley View Funeral Home at 4335 W. 4100 S., West Valley City, Utah 84120