Rudolph “Rudy” Wendling, Sr., 88, of Kiel, passed away Friday, July 31, 2026 at Ascension NE Wisconsin – Mercy Hospital in Oshkosh. Rudy was born January 27, 1938, in Kiel, to the late Rudolph and Elsie (Kautzer) Wendling. He attended Ss. Peter and Paul Catholic School. He married the former Barbara Pieper on February 17, 1962. She preceded him in death on February 21, 2011. Rudy was employed at Lake to Lake and Laun Furniture before working at the Kohler Company in the engine department for 25 years until his retirement. He was an original member of the Highland Swampers and a former member of the Kiel Fire Department.

Rudy enjoyed fishing, deer hunting, watching Westerns and playing Poker with family. After his retirement, he enjoyed walking through Kiel, visiting friends and making new ones. When walking became difficult, he used his bicycle and eventually his scooter to continue his socializing.

Survivors include his children, Mike Wendling, Todd Wendling, and Tracy Wendling; his son-in-law, Kevin Suttner; his sisters, Diane Twohig, Nancy Weir, and Elsie Arnold; his brother-in-law, Anthony Kauth. He is further survived by his numerous grandchildren.

In addition to his parents and his wife, Barbara, he was preceded in death by his son, Rudolph “Rudy” Wendling, Jr.; his daughters, Kelly Suttner and Kim Wendling; his grandson, Christopher Suttner; his step-father, Elmer Dedering; his siblings, Glenroy (Elaine) Wendling, Marie (Arno) Kienbaum, Georgiana (LeRoy) Breit, Jerome (Janet) Wendling, Barbara (John) Schwind, Delores Kauth, Jeanette (Jack) Graf, and Sylvia (Alfred) Anhalt; his brothers-in-law, Allan Arnold, Robert Weir, and Thomas Twohig; his step-brother, Robert (Charlotte) Dedering and his step-sister, Lois Dedering.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, August 14, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. at Ss. Peter and Paul Catholic Church (423 Fremont Street, Kiel) with Fr. Alvan Amadi as celebrant. Visitation will be held on Friday, at the church, from 9:00 a.m. until 10:30 a.m. when brief family rites will be held. Inurnment will follow at Ss. Peter and Paul Catholic Cemetery. Please visit www.meiselwitzfh.com to send online condolences.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to the staff of Willowdale Health Services for the care they gave Rudy during his stay.