Dr. Roger Franklin Wendt 1933-2011

WENDT HANS FREUDENBURG

Posted By: Connie Swearingen (email)
Date: 6/23/2011 at 15:43:40

Sioux City Journal
2 April 2011

SIOUX CITY -- Dr. Roger Franklin Wendt, 77, of Sioux City passed away Wednesday, March 30, 2011, at a local hospital. Roger lost his courageous 13-month battle with cancer after surviving cancer 18 years ago.

Memorial services will be 10:30 a.m. Monday at Faith Lutheran Church in Sioux City, with the Rev. Ralph Shorey officiating. Burial will be in Logan Park Cemetery, with military honors conducted by the Army National Guard. Visitation with the family will be 3 to 5 p.m. Sunday, with a prayer service at 5 p.m., at Meyer Brothers Colonial Chapel. Condolences may be made online to www.meyerbroschapels.com.

Roger was born Dec. 31, 1933, in Staplehurst, Neb., the son of Arnold and Elsie (Hans) Wendt. Roger graduated from Seward High School in Seward, Neb., in 1951. He served in the U.S. Army from 1952 to 1954. He went on to attain his bachelor's degree from Wayne State College in 1958.

On Aug. 10, 1958, he married Anita Freudenburg in Norfolk, Neb. The couple moved to Sioux City in 1958, where they made their home and raised their two children, Todd and Nanette. Roger continued his education at the University of South Dakota, where he earned his master's degree in educational administration and was awarded his doctorate in 1967.

Dr. Wendt spent nine years as a teacher in the Sioux City Community School System. Following his years as a teacher, he served as an administrator in the Sioux City District for 35 years as an assistant principal, principal, director of secondary education and assistant superintendent. He proudly served the students and their families of the Sioux City Community Schools for 44 years. Roger retired in 2002 after 12 rewarding years as principal at Hoover Middle School.

He began his second career by being elected State Representative in House District 2. He was elected to four terms in office. After serving as ranking member of the House Education Committee for three years, he was appointed chair of the committee for the next four years. He was a member of several other committees during his tenure in office. His time in office representing the people of House District 2, Sioux City, Siouxland and the state of Iowa, were some of the most enjoyable years of his life.

Roger was a lifetime member of Phi Delta Kappa and served as the Siouxland chapter president. He was a lifetime member of the National Education Association, School Administrators of Iowa and Commissioner of Midwestern Higher Education Compact. He was a board member and president of the Boys and Girls Home and a member of the Elk's Club. Roger was a charter member, elder and past president of Faith Lutheran Church.

Roger's family always came first. Time spent with his wife, children and grandchildren was most cherished. He enjoyed family gatherings of all sizes and special occasions. He also enjoyed playing cards, boating, fishing, hunting and many other activities. He was an avid gardener and enjoyed this time of year as he began planting his flower beds for the season. His life and career can be best thought of in terms of service to others.

Survivors include his wife of 52 years, Anita Wendt; a son, Dr. Todd Wendt and his wife, Betty of Le Mars, Iowa; a daughter, Nanette Beller and her husband, Paul of Omaha; grandchildren, Clarke Beller, Maggie Beller and Blake Wendt; a sister-in-law, Marion Pleskac of Lincoln, Neb.; a sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Arnetta and Robert McDaniel of Norfolk, Neb.; cousins, Verna Swanson and Lawrence Hans; five nieces, three nephews and their spouses; and many friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Arnold and Nettie (Kalmer) Freudenburg; a brother, Donald Wendt; a sister, Lois Kramer; and a brother-in-law, Marvin Kramer.

Pallbearers will be his grandchildren. Honorary pallbearers will be his nieces and nephews.

Memorials may be made in his name to the Sioux City Public School Foundation to establish a memorial scholarship, Hospice of Siouxland or to the Boys and Girls Home and Family Services Inc. of Siouxland.