Dennis Funeral Homes

KENNETH DALE WENDLAND, age 75 of Waseca died on Monday, May 16, 2011 at his home in Waseca.

Born in Waseca, Minnesota on June 19, 1935, he was the son of Roy and Helen (Gibson) Wendland.  Ken was baptized by his grandfather, Rev. Percy Gibson on July 21, 1935.  He graduated from Waseca High School in 1953.  In 1962, Ken and his father purchased Waseca Lumber Mart Inc.  In 1972, Ken purchased his father’s share of the business and changed the name to Associated Lumber Marts.  He continued to operate the business for the next 35 years, retiring in 1997.  Ken married Helen Wilker on March 5, 1975.    He enjoyed hunting, fishing, and had many civic interests.  He was a member of the First Congregational Church in Waseca and served on the Waseca Area Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors for many years working on economic development.  He was president of the Waseca Star City task force and the Waseca Development Corp.  He chaired the first all school reunion in 1988, served on the Don Eustice Scholarship Committee and was also a member of the Waseca Boosters.   First and foremost, Ken loved being a father and grandfather.  He had a strong faith and love of Waseca.

He is survived by his wife, Helen of Waseca; children, Debra Flemming of San Diego, CA, Laurie (Art) Griffith of Aurora, CO, Brad (Monica) Wendland , Kris (John) Snow, Dennis (Faye) Malecha, and Curtis (Linda) Malecha all of Waseca; 15 grandchildren; and 4 great grandchildren.  He is also survived by sisters, Evelyn (Dave) Kahnke of Waseca and Margaret Krassin of Waseca; brother, John (Janet) Wendland of Garland, TX; sister-in-law, Diane Wendland of Waseca; and many nieces and nephews.  He was preceded in death by his parents, sister-Mary, and brothers-Robert, Donald, Richard, and Ronald. 

Visitation will be held at Kinder-Dennis Home for Funerals in Waseca on Thursday, May 19, 2011 from 4-8 PM and continue on Friday, one hour before services at the church.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, May 20, 2011 at 10:00 AM at the First Congregational Church in Waseca.  Burial will follow at Woodville Cemetery in Waseca.