GARY REYNOLD WENDT

JULY 6, 1929 – DECEMBER 23, 2015

Gary Reynold Wendt was born in Fresno, California in 1929 to Edwin and Erna Wendt, joining his older sister, Lila Mae.

In 1950, Gary left his job as a steel fitter at The Independent Iron Company in Oakland, California for the United States Army. A Veteran of the Korean War*, he fought on the front lines and witnessed many of his fellow “Battle Buddies” perish before his eyes. He spent 5 months in a VA hospital after his tour of duty for extreme “Post War Anxiety”, which is now recognized as Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). “Corporal Wendt” left the Army in 1952 after having spent over half of his enlistment overseas and in combat. He earned the Korea Service Medal with two Bronze Service Stars and The United Nations Service Medal.

Gary married Doreen June Giaramita in 1957 in Carmel, California. They had their first daughter, Marlea Veree, in 1961, and their second daughter, Lorlea Doree, in 1963.

Gary worked as a machinist and created many parts (and modified everything!) for about 50 years.

In 1994, Gary and Doreen relocated to Lower Lake (Clear Lake ) and resided there together for 13 years, boating, skiing, swimming, and sun bathing in their beautiful paradise until her passing
in 2007. 2007 was also the year Gary and Doreen celebrated their 50th anniversary. Gary dreamed of a house on the lake and he made it happen. He continued to live at Lower Lake until the day he died, a total of 21 years.

Gary is survived by his daughters, Marlea and Lorlea; 5 grandchildren, Amanda Lynn 26, Danielle Renee 18, James Robert 16, Joseph Cayetano 15 and Donald Hasson (Trey) 13; and last, but not least, their sons-in-law, Donald Rosson and Stephen Spencer. After joining the family in 1997, Stephen (Spence) became the son they never had. Gary and Doreen adored and loved him and Stephen took care of Gary until the end.
Gary lived a complete and full life!
In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to The Korean War Veterans Memorial or a charity of your choosing in Gary’s name. http://www.koreanwarvetsmemorial.org/donations

*Learn the history of Gary’s Army Brigade here:
http://www.2id.korea.army.mil/about/history.asp

So go and run free with the angels
Dance around the golden clouds
For the Lord has chosen you to be with him
And we should feel nothing but proud
Your memory will never escape us
But make us glad for the time we did have
Your face will always be hidden
Deep inside our hearts
Each precious moment you gave us
Shall never, ever depart
So go and run free with the angels
As they sing so tenderly