James E. Wendelman
January 14, 2025 at 3:10 p.m.
James E. Wendelman, of Sunman, was born on June 5, 1935, in Milan, a son to Irvin and Myrtle Schwipps Wendelman. He was a graduate of Milan High School, Class of ’53. Jim was a key contributor to the Milan basketball legacy, helping guide the Indians to the 1953 state semi-finals, just one year before the school’s historic state championship victory. He married Marie Yvonne “Mickie” Wendelman on June 1, 1957 at St. John Lutheran Church – Hubbells Corner. Shortly after marriage, he joined the United States Air Force and served his country for four years. Jim was employed by Hill-Rom as a truck driver for over 20 years, retiring in 2002. He was a member of St. John Lutheran Church – Hubbells Corner as well as the New Alsace American Legion. He became a gifted mechanic and auto body repairman after high school, which explained his love of watching NASCAR and racing. In his spare time, Jim could be found watching his grandkids play sports, catching a Cincinnati Reds game on TV, firing up the grill to cook out, watching old detective and western TV shows (not Bonanza), enjoying some Mexican food or spaghetti with spicy meatballs, or relaxing with a bowl of ice cream. On Wednesday, January 8, 2025, at the age of 89, Jim passed away peacefully at Mercy Health in Fairfield.
Those surviving who will cherish Jim’s memory include his two daughters, Linda Koelling of Batesville and Sandra (Jerry) Stenger of St. Leon; one daughter-in-law, Janice Wendelman; five grandchildren, Alison (Kevin) Tammen, Samuel Koelling, James “J.J.” Stenger, Jessica Stenger, and Bailey Wendelman, and two great-grandchildren, Alaina and Kenzie Tammen. James was preceded in death by his parents; loving wife Marie; one son, David Wendelman; one brother, Kenneth Wendelman, and one sister, Rita Lamping.
Friends may visit with the family on Saturday, January 18, 2025, at St. John Lutheran Church – Hubbells Corner, 12523 N. Dearborn Rd, Sunman, IN 47041, from 11am until the time of service at 1pm. Burial with graveside honors will follow in the church cemetery.
Memorial contributions can be directed to St. John’s Lutheran Church – Hubbells Corner. To sign the online guestbook or to leave a personal condolence, please visit www.cookrosenberger.com. The staff of Cook Rosenberger Funeral Home is honored to care for the family of Jim Wendelman.
Paid obituary.
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James E. Wendelman, of Sunman, was born on June 5, 1935, in Milan, a son to Irvin and Myrtle Schwipps Wendelman. He was a graduate of Milan High School, Class of ’53. Jim was a key contributor to the Milan basketball legacy, helping guide the Indians to the 1953 state semi-finals, just one year before the school’s historic state championship victory. He married Marie Yvonne “Mickie” Wendelman on June 1, 1957 at St. John Lutheran Church – Hubbells Corner. Shortly after marriage, he joined the United States Air Force and served his country for four years. Jim was employed by Hill-Rom as a truck driver for over 20 years, retiring in 2002. He was a member of St. John Lutheran Church – Hubbells Corner as well as the New Alsace American Legion. He became a gifted mechanic and auto body repairman after high school, which explained his love of watching NASCAR and racing. In his spare time, Jim could be found watching his grandkids play sports, catching a Cincinnati Reds game on TV, firing up the grill to cook out, watching old detective and western TV shows (not Bonanza), enjoying some Mexican food or spaghetti with spicy meatballs, or relaxing with a bowl of ice cream. On Wednesday, January 8, 2025, at the age of 89, Jim passed away peacefully at Mercy Health in Fairfield.
Those surviving who will cherish Jim’s memory include his two daughters, Linda Koelling of Batesville and Sandra (Jerry) Stenger of St. Leon; one daughter-in-law, Janice Wendelman; five grandchildren, Alison (Kevin) Tammen, Samuel Koelling, James “J.J.” Stenger, Jessica Stenger, and Bailey Wendelman, and two great-grandchildren, Alaina and Kenzie Tammen. James was preceded in death by his parents; loving wife Marie; one son, David Wendelman; one brother, Kenneth Wendelman, and one sister, Rita Lamping.
Friends may visit with the family on Saturday, January 18, 2025, at St. John Lutheran Church – Hubbells Corner, 12523 N. Dearborn Rd, Sunman, IN 47041, from 11am until the time of service at 1pm. Burial with graveside honors will follow in the church cemetery.
Memorial contributions can be directed to St. John’s Lutheran Church – Hubbells Corner. To sign the online guestbook or to leave a personal condolence, please visit www.cookrosenberger.com. The staff of Cook Rosenberger Funeral Home is honored to care for the family of Jim Wendelman.
Paid obituary.