Theodore Wendt

The Reverend Theodore Wendt passed away peacefully in his sleep on October 7, 2012. Pastor Wendt served as an Ordained Minister in the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America (ELCA) for 37 years, retiring as Pastor Emeritus from Christus Victor Lutheran Church, Bonita Springs, Florida, in 1996. Pastor “Ted” Wendt was born in Cleveland, Ohio, June 26, 1932, to William and Ruth Wendt. He was baptized July 24, 1932, and later confirmed at Parma Lutheran Church, Cleveland, Ohio, on April 28, 1946. He was active in scouting and received the Boy Scout Eagle Award in December 1948. The foundation of “Duty to Self, Duty to God, Duty to Country” and his parents’ devotion to the Lord served as touchstones throughout his life. He received his A.B. degree from Capital University, Columbus, Ohio, in 1954 and his B.D. degree with honors from Lutheran Theological Seminary (Trinity) in 1958. Ordained at Parma Lutheran Church in June 1958, he was called to serve at six congregations, two of which were mission starts: St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Waldo, Ohio (1958-1960); Christ Lutheran Church, Massillon, Ohio (1961-1963); Grace Lutheran Church, Eaton, Ohio (1963-1969); Faith Lutheran Church, Lakeland, Florida (1969-1979); Shepherd of the Woods Lutheran Church, Jacksonville, Florida (1979-1988); and Christus Victor Lutheran Church, Bonita Springs, Florida (1988-1995). Pastor Wendt was active in the development of communications and mission support of the American Lutheran Church (ALC) before it merged into the ELCA. Pastor Wendt was also a world traveler and had the privilege of conducting worship in cathedrals in Canterbury, England and Paris, France, and by the Sea of Galilee in Israel and the Nile River in Egypt. He extended his ministry in various community endeavors providing support to civic clubs, education, health and the arts. This included Chairperson of the Preble County American Cancer Society; Treasurer of the Lakeland Boy’s Club; supporter of the Lakeland Florida Symphony; member of the Lions Club in both Eaton and Lakeland; member of the Rotary Club in Jacksonville; remedial reading tutor; and active member of various ministerial associations including the “Boys of Spring,” a retired pastors’ club which dutifully followed spring training for the LA Dodgers until they foolishly left Florida for Arizona in 2008. Pastor Wendt is survived by his wife of 59 years, Jacqueline Wendt. He officiated at the marriages of all his children (Alan and Susan Wendt, Timothy and Melanie Wendt, and Amy and Sean Kirkpatrick) and one grandchild (Andrew and Chelsey Wendt), baptizing each of his grandchildren (Rachel, Ryan, William, and Andrew Wendt), and adding a new granddaughter (Maya Kirkpatrick) and great-granddaughter (Revi Wendt) to the family in the last two years. A memorial service will be held at Emmanuel Lutheran Church, 777 Mooring Line Drive, Naples, Florida, on November 4, 2012, at 1:30 p.m. Pastor Wendt was fond of saying, “When the word comes, say REJOICE out loud!“ and the memorial service will very much be held in that spirit. In lieu of flowers, Pastor Wendt asked for donations to be made to one of the following organizations: ELCA World Hunger, Habitat for Humanity, St. Matthew’s House in Naples, or Avow Hospice.