Joseph E. Wendland

Joseph E. Wendland, 72, of Metamora, formerly of El Paso, IL passed away at 1:30 pm on Sunday, April 1, 2018 at his residence. He was born on June 30, 1945 in Bloomington, IL to Joseph E. and Adahila R. (Johnson) Wendland, Sr. He married Sally J. Siegmund in Joliet, IL on June 29, 1968. She survives.

Also surviving are daughter Tamara Wendland of Olathe, KS; sister Jill (Randy) Kearfott of Bloomington, IL; and nephews Ryan (Michelle) Kearfott of Warrensburg, MO and Blair (Amanda) Kearfott of Bloomington. He was preceded in death by his parents, infant daughter Jennifer Jo, and two nephews.

Joe attended Northern Illinois University where he studied music. He enlisted in the Air Force in 1966, joining the 505th Air Force band at Chanute Air Force Base in Rantoul, IL. The band traveled all over North America from Del Rio, Texas to Montreal, Canada, but mostly in the Midwest. If he had a claim to fame as a trumpet player in the USAF it was playing taps at Everett Dirksen's funeral which was broadcast on the Evening News with Walter Cronkite. He retired from Caterpillar in March, 2005 after 40 years of service. He held positions in Offices Services, Advertising, Marketing, Purchasing, and retired from Parts and Service Sales. Joe was a fantastic cook and loved improving recipes with his own ideas. He also enjoyed shooting sports, fishing, gardening, crossword puzzles, Sudoku, and seeing how far he could get behind at doing nothing.

Cremation rites have been accorded. A Memorial Visitation will be held from 11:00 am until 1:00 pm on Saturday, April 7, 2018 at Mason Funeral Home Metamora Chapel in Metamora. In lieu of flowers memorials may be given to Children's Hospital of Illinois, 530 NE Glen Oak Avenue, Peoria, IL 61637. Online condolences at www.masonfuneralhomes.com.