Ewald W. Wendorf

Ewald William " Bud" Wendorf, 85, Wausau, died Thursday, January 8, 2009 at North Central Health Care Center, under the care of Aspirus Comfort Care and Hospice Services, Wausau. He was born December 30, 1923 in Wausau, son of the late August and Mary (Gralow) Wendorf. On May 17, 1947 he married Ruth Weigel in Baraboo, WI. She preceded him in death May 22, 1990. Prior to his retirement he owned and operated a hardware store. He was a Navy veteran serving during World War II. Bud had the honor of serving aboard the Aircraft Carrier U.S.S. Hornet from October 20, 1941 when it was commissioned until the time it was sunk on October 26, 1942 in the Solomon Islands. When General Doolittle launched his raid on Tokyo, Bud was on the bridge of the Hornet. After the Hornet sunk, Bud was stationed at Sand Point Naval Air Station, Seattle, to squad 146, achieving rank of Chief Petty Officer. Ewald was a lifetime member of Zion Lutheran Church, Wausau. Survivors include a daughter, Karen (Gary) Berzill of Wausau, three grandchildren, Tami (Todd) Knoblock of Wausau, Christina (Brent) Wassum of Charlotte, N.C., Jason Berzill of Wausau, three great grandchildren, Danniyelle Knoblock of Wausau, Nicole and Trent Wynn of Charlotte, N.C., one brother, August (Delores) Wendorf of Wausau. He was preceded in death by his parents, wife, two brothers, James and Rodney, four sisters, Imogene Edler, Marian Jacobi, Caroline Richey and Lois Rock. Funeral Services will be 11:00 a.m. Monday, January 12, 2009 at Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, 1302 Sixth Street, Wausau. Rev. Joel Schmalz will officiate. Burial will be in Restlawn Memorial Park, Wausau. Friends may call from 2:00 - 4:00 p.m. Sunday and again from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the service Monday all at the Sixth Street funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Hospice House. Online condolences at Petersonkraemer.com