Mr. William W. Wandell, 85, of LaPorte, died peacefully on Sunday, Feb. 1, 2015.
He was born Dec 6, 1929, to John and Esther (O’bringer) Wandell of LaPorte.
William was a graduate of Indiana University (BA in government personnel administration) and was honorably discharged as a captain/pilot from the United States Air Force. William retired from Whirlpool Corp. in LaPorte as a subcontract purchasing representative and tool engineer. William always took pride in the community and was an active member and volunteer of St. Joseph Catholic Church, where he served as lector, instructor and a school board member. Furthermore, he volunteered his time as a 4th Degree member of the Knights of Columbus, a volunteer at the LaPorte County Auto/Historical Society Museum, and a Salvation Army Board member. William enjoyed spending time with his family, his church community, his many friends, and KOP circle neighbors of 50 years, where he was a resident historian and storyteller.
On June 27, 1959, he married Helen (Minich) Wandell, who recently preceded William in death (August 2014). They celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in 2009.
William was also preceded in death by his parents; sister, Agnes (John) Johns, and brother, John (Joanne) Wandell.
He leaves behind one son, Eric Wandell of California; two sisters, Theresa (James) Williams of Florida and Rosemary (Donald) Chuey of Michigan; and brother, Robert (Betty) Wandell of Illinois.
Visitation will be at Essling Funeral Home, LaPorte, on Wednesday, Feb. 11, from 4 to 7:30 p.m. with a Rosary led by Rosemary Chuey at 6 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 12, at St. Joseph Catholic Church, LaPorte, with Rev. Eduardo Malagon officiating. Family and friends may gather at 9 a.m. Thursday at the funeral home prior to the Mass. Burial will follow at St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery, LaPorte.
Memorial contributions may be made to St. Joseph Catholic Church, 109 C St., LaPorte, IN 46350, or LaPorte Salvation Army, 3240 Monroe St., LaPorte, IN 46350.
Messages of condolence may be posted below on WNLP, as well as at www.esslingfuneralhome.com.