Henry Richard "Rich" Wendling

HENRY RICHARD “RICH” WENDLING

Nov 3, 1933 – AUG 21, 2025

Henry Richard “Rich” Wendling, 91, of Casper, Wyoming, passed peacefully into the loving arms of his Heavenly Father on August 21, 2025, at Central Wyoming Hospice & Transitions in Casper, Wyoming surrounded by his loving family. As a faithful servant and previous member the Board of Deacons of Wheatland Bible Church, a funeral service will be held at Wheatland Bible Church on September 20, 2025 at 10:00 AM with Pastor Tony Borton officiating followed by interment of cremains at Wheatland Cemetery with military honors accorded by Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 3558 and Ora Call Post 10 American Legion.

Rich was born November 3, 1933, in Aurora, Illinois to parents Henry and Ann Marie (Gruzesky) Wendling, Henry emigrated to the United States at age 13, from Austria and Ann Marie was from Chicago. Rich graduated from East Aurora High School in 1952 where he played football and participated in the school band. After graduation he enlisted in the United States Air Force in October 1952 and served as a radio operator during the Korean War. He received an Honorable Discharge in August 1956 at the rank of Senior Airman.

After his service to our country Rich returned to Aurora to join his father in the family business, Wendling Furniture, established in 1946, and remained active in the furniture business throughout the majority of his life. Rich was a member of Aurora Lions Club and Aurora Country Club, where he enjoyed golfing with fellow members and business associates. He loved flying and owned and flew various airplanes for business and pleasure.

On October 16, 1956, he married Judith Ann Wood of Aurora, to this union was born six daughters and one son. The marriage ended in 1974.

In 1971, Rich made his first trip to the Rocky Mountains where he fell in love with Wheatland, Wyoming and continued his love of horses and real estate interests.

In 1975 Rich met and married the love of his life Mary Frances Buck of Wheatland. To this union a son was born and later Rich adopted Mary’s two sons.

Throughout his career Rich mentored many young men and women in business with many attributing his guidance to their personal success. All his children are so grateful for our dad teaching us the meaning of hard work.

Rich loved the Lord, his family, his many dogs and all his card-playing buddies.

He was preceded in death by his parents, infant son Charles Philip, sister Betty, and numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins.

He is survived by his loving and devoted wife Mary of Casper, daughters Stacy (Herschel) Pruitt, Wheatland, Kelly (Norman) Russell, Coeur d’Alene, ID, Nan Wendling, Sarasota, FL, Susan Wirfs, Twin Falls, ID, Jennifer Cunningham, Casper, Jacqueline Wendling, Casper, sons Richard Wendling (Stephanie), Casper, Mark Wendling (Raina), Casper and Christopher Wendling (Paula), Cheyenne.

Grandpa was so proud of the many accomplishments of his (18) grandchildren Jaclyn (Steve), Christi (Kaleb), Taylor (Jodi), Chase (Chrissy), Lindsay, Jon (Jared Higley), Nicole, Haley (Gunnar), Damon (Jessie), Sadie, Bucklee, Delilah, Cayden (Maliyah), Caylee (Tevita PalePale) , Chase (Amanda Kloeppel), Chance, Cameron (Viridiana), Shaya (Gee) and Shelby as well as his 23 great-grandchildren.

Rich will be greatly missed by his loving family, colleagues and friends, may he rest in peace.

Memorial contributions are encouraged to be sent to Central Wyoming Hospice & Transitions, 319 S. Wilson, Casper, WY 82601, or Wheatland VFW Post #3558, 1401 9th St., Wheatland, WY 82201.

Services are under the care of Newcomer Funeral Home, 710 E. Second Street Casper, Wyoming.

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