Joel Lanette Wendel

Joel Lanette Wendel, 81, of Lee's Summit, Missouri, passed away on May 31st, 2019. She was born to parents Joseph Walczuk and Vilis Smith, on September 22, 1937 in Red Bay, Alabama.

She graduated from South East High School in 1956, where she was a member of the Gamma Sig Sorority. She maintained several of her high school friendships throughout her life.

Joel worked as a Secretary for the counselors at Van Horn High School, and for Carlson Construction Company. She later worked at Hy-Vee and assisted the shoppers of John Knox Village.

She was an amazing wife and mother, a devoted Christian and friend, and enjoyed supporting her community, serving as the Chairperson for the March of Dimes in Raytown, Missouri. She was a beautiful woman, inside and out, and had natural skills of athleticism.

Joel met Roger W. Wendel, Sr. in 1956. They were married on August 10, 1957 in Kansas City, Mo. They lived in Tulsa for the first four years of their marriage before moving back to the Kansas City area. Together they raised three children: Roger W. Wendel, Jr. , Robert C. Wendel, and Melissa L. Wendel.

Joel is survived by Roger W. Wendel, Sr., husband, Roger W. Wendel, Jr., son, Melissa L. Wendel, daughter, Dorothy Jean Hartyl, sister, Garrett R. Wendel, grandson, Tanner H. Wendel, grandson, R. Chase Wendel, grandson.

She was preceded in death by grandparents, John and Ellen Smith; parents, Joseph Walczuk and Vilis Bresina; aunt Reba Smith; son Robert C. Wendel; and brother Jerry Walczuk,.

The family has entrusted Park Lawn Funeral Home with the arrangements. Services will be held Thursday, June 6th, 2019 at 8251 Hillcrest Rd, Kansas City, MO 64138. Visitation will be from 9:30-10:30 with the service to follow. Joel will be buried at the Lee’s Summit Cemetery.

Visitation will be 930AM, with services to follow at 1030AM, Thursday, June 6 at Park Lawn Funeral Home, 8251 Hillcrest Rd.; burial in Lee’s Summit Historical Cemeter