Elmer F. Wendel, 89, of Fort Recovery, Ohio, passed away peacefully on Monday, October 28, 2024, at Elmwood Assisted Living in New Bremen, Ohio.

He was born on September 10, 1935, in Fort Recovery, to the late Frank and Elenora (Homan) Wendel. Elmer was also preceded in death by his wife, Joan A. (Borgerding) Wendel, whom he married on September 6, 1958, and who passed away on January 21, 2000.

Elmer is survived by his children, Connie (Chuck) Kaiser of Fort Recovery, Carol (Dino) Knapke of Fort Recovery, Judy Bettinger and Rob Rindler of Coldwater, Susie (Dan) Muhlenkamp of Coldwater, and Becky (Kevin) Kunk of Coldwater; his daughter-in-law, Lisa Wendel and Mike Schaekel of Montezuma; his grandchildren, Gena (Derek) Minch, Dana Wendel, Nina (Austin) Faller, Nick (Tina) Kaiser, April (John) Bihn, Abby (Chad) Timmerman, Jake (Sam) Knapke, Shelby (Kevin) Ranly, Luke (Emily) Knapke, Nate Knapke, Brandon (Sara) Bettinger, Jessica (Chad) Ritzler, Courtney (Austin) Klosterman, Zach (Rose) Muhlenkamp, Caleb Muhlenkamp, Alexis Muhlenkamp, Karla Kunk, Owen Kunk, and Leah Kunk; his 28 great grandchildren; his brother, Melvin Wendel of Coldwater; his sister-in-law, Martha Wendel of Fort Recovery; his in-laws, Mike and Marilyn Borgerding and Marilyn Borgerding; and numerous nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents and his wife, Elmer was preceded in death by his son, Gary Wendel; his son-in-law, Jim Bettinger; his siblings, Novella (Albert) Lauber, Millie (Jerome) Wilker, Ermin (Regina) Wendel, Thelma (Irvin) Schindler, Werner (Pat) Wendel, and Alvin Wendel; his in-laws, Gene (Ramona) Borgerding, Norma (Jerry) Grieshop, Virginia (Kenneth) Grimberg, Dick Borgerding, Harold (Eugenia) Borgerding, Marie (William) Glass, Patricia (John) Sauer, and Jim Borgerding.

Elmer served his country honorably in the United States Army during the Korean War era. Upon returning home, he began working at New Idea in Coldwater. Elmer then worked for Harold Rammel Plumbing and retired from the Village of Fort Recovery’s water department. Elmer was a member of Mary Help of Christians Catholic Church, the men’s sodality, the Fort Recovery VFW, and was an original member of the Fort Recovery Ambassadors.

“Best Town Ever” were words Elmer often used to describe Fort Recovery. He loved everything about his town and spent hundreds of hours volunteering his time to help make Fort Recovery a better place to live. He helped construct many projects around town, such as the swimming pool, ambassador park, the church, and several projects at the schools. Elmer also enjoyed sitting on his front porch watching the world go by and walking around town enjoying all the great things Fort Recovery has to offer. In his free time, Elmer enjoyed spending time with his family, spoiling his grandchildren and great grandchildren. In his early years, Elmer loved to go polka dancing with his wife, Joan.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 AM, Monday, November 4, 2024, at Mary Help of Christians Catholic Church, Fort Recovery. Burial will follow at St. Mary’s Cemetery.

Guests may visit with the family on Sunday, November 3, 2024, from 2:00 PM until 6:00 PM and again on Monday from 9:00 AM until 10:00 AM at Brockman Boeckman Funeral Home, Fort Recovery.

Online condolences may be shared with the family by visiting www.brockmanboeckmanfh.com