Eldean August Wendt

Eldean August Wendt was called peacefully to his savior on March 30, 2026, at his home surrounded by his family. Eldean was born on November 19, 1935, to Henry and Leola (Bockhaus) Wendt. They resided on their Iowa Century family farm near Frederika, Iowa. A man of extraordinary strength, faith and unyielding dedication to those he loved.

Eldean was nurtured in a strong faith from a young age as a member of St. John’s Lutheran Church in Frederika with confirmation in 1949. He attended Banner Country School through eighth grade and graduated from Frederika High School in 1954. He enjoyed playing basketball, baseball and helping his folks on the farm. Eldean attended Iowa State College, majoring in Farm Operations, graduating with a Bachelor of Science degree in 1959. Following graduation, he joined the United States Army serving at Fort Sill, Oklahoma and was honorably discharged in 1961. Eldean began working for Moorman’s Feed Company transitioning to full time farming raising corn, beans and hogs.

A devoted husband and committed father, Eldean married Bonnie De Groot on November 15, 1969, in Prairie City, Iowa at First Reformed Church. They were blessed to raise four children, Kyle, Emily, Ellen, and David. Family was the cornerstone of Eldean’s life, cherishing every moment spent together.

Eldean was active in Jaycees as a young adult with a lifelong commitment to his church community. Together, Eldean and Bonnie joined Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in Osage, Iowa in 1970. Throughout his time at church, Eldean was an usher, sang in the family choir and served on the property board. Eldean was a passionate explorer; fishing for the best walleye, finding the most decadent coconut cream pie and hunting his way through the woods. He was an avid reader, especially of World War II history, playing cards and always ready to tell a story.

Eldean loved working with the youth, spending eighteen years as a 4-H leader. As a fanatic Cyclone fan, he could recall countless memorable basketball and football moments over the last seventy years. His favorite pastime was being Grandpa E, creating memories with his twelve grandkids, cheering them on at their events with the shared understanding that there was always time for ice cream.

Eldean was preceded in death by his parents, Henry and Leola Wendt, in-laws, Fred and Jeanetta De Groot; granddaughter, Blythe Wendt.

He is survived by his wife Bonnie of fifty-six years; his children, son Kyle (Alison), grandsons Jacob, Alex and Evan Wendt; daughter Emily Johnson (Jerry), granddaughters Olivia and Sophia Johnson, daughter Ellen Cernich (Dave), grandkids Julia and Hudson Cernich; son Dave (Autumn), grandkids Leyton, Callum, Holden, Garner, and Mirren Wendt.

Eldean’s celebration of life will be held at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in Osage with the visitation on Sunday, April 12, 2026, from 4:00 – 6:00 p.m., and the service on Monday, April 13, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. with his final resting place at St. John’s Cemetery in Frederika, Iowa.

Memorials may be directed to the Mitchell County Relay for Life, Our Savior’s Lutheran Church Building Maintenance Fund or the Usher Syndrome Coalition in Eldean’s honor.

Hoff Celebrations - Champion Chapel of Osage is assisting the family with arrangements.