Raymond J. Wendt

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Raymond Junior Wendt, age 93, of Fort Atkinson, Wisconsin who departed this life on September 20, 2025. Raymond was a beloved father, grandfather, great grandfather, friend, and neighbor cherished by all who were fortunate to know him.

Born on October 1, 1931, in Fort Atkinson, WI, to Reinholdt C.J. and Lizzie Marie (Markgraff) Wendt, Raymond was the youngest of their nine children. Raymond married Carol J. (Barlow) Hartman on June 14, 1966.

Raymond had a passion for fishing, his cats (Cleo and Penny), ‘Western’ movies, country music, puzzle art, B29 aircraft, the Milwaukee Brewers, and the Green Bay Packers. He enjoyed and had a deep interest in ‘tinkering’ with and fixing ‘all things electronic’, establishing a sizeable community based group of customers that would bring him a wide range of things to repair. Throughout his life, he exemplified kindness, generosity, and dedication to his family and friends often doing ‘subtle little things’ to lend a hand and show that he cared.

Raymond served in the United States Air Force, stationed in Guam during the Korean War as part of the 1600th Maintenance Squadron at Westover AFB, Massachusetts. He served from September 7, 1950 through September 6, 1954, when he was honorably discharged.

In addition to his time in the military, he worked at Nasco, Jamesway Manufacturing, Butler Livestock Systems, and J-Star Industries where he had an opportunity to travel and experience the country.  After retirement, he worked part-time in a seasonal role for many years as a Fort Atkinson Compost Site Attendant which gave him a chance to connect with people in the community and to find additional opportunities to ‘tinker’ and fix things.

Raymond is survived by children, Wendy (Robert) Chady, Patricia (Michael) Jensen, Tammy (Thomas) Olson, Michael (Richele) Wendt and Terry Hodawanus, 18 grandchildren, and 12 great grandchildren, as well as many friends and family members who will miss his witty humor and caring demeanor built on subtle actions of helpfulness and kindness.

Raymond was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, siblings Robert Wendt, Frances Northey, Evans Wendt, Frederick Wendt, Rose Reuterskiold, Lillian Hebbe, Viola Brandt, and Florence Alexander, daughters Christy K. (Hartman) LaRue and Debra K. (Wendt) Hollinger.

A private service will be held with family and friends with burial at Evergreen Cemetery beside his beloved wife, Carol.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to Agrace Hospice, who along with a team of loving, dedicated in-home caregivers, and the Memory Care staff at Reena Senior Living in Fort Atkinson, helped Ray close out his journey in this life with dignity, comfort, love, and compassion. Alternatively, donations in his name may be made to the Humane Society of Jefferson County.

He asked for so little but gave so very much.

Nitardy Funeral Home is assisting the family