Gary Keith Wendling

Gary Keith Wendling, 75, of Altamont, Illinois joined the kingdom of heaven on Friday, March 27, 2026 at Saint Louis University Hospital in St. Louis, Missouri.

 

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m., March 31, 2026 at Zion Lutheran Church, rural Altamont, with Rev. Marcus Manley officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. Visitation will be held from 4-7 p.m., Monday, March 30, 2026 at Gieseking Funeral Home, Altamont. Memorials may be made to Zion Lutheran Church, Lutheran Hour or the donor’s choice.

 

Gary was born on May 7, 1950 in Flora, Illinois as the first born son of Vernon and Allene (Colclasure) Wendling.  He married Jeanine Spilker on September 2, 1972 at Zion Lutheran Church in rural Altamont, sharing 53 years of marriage and memories together.  After high school, Gary attended Wabash Valley College and later served in the Illinois National Guard. He worked at World Color Press and Stevens Industries though he always was a farmer at heart, and enjoyed his time in the fields more frequently once he retired.

 

Gary was a devoted and faithful member of Zion Lutheran Church, serving in several offices and participating in the Lutheran Layman’s League. Gary’s faith remained consistent and steadfast throughout his life and he fostered this same dedication to God into the foundation of his family.  God’s grace and promise guided Gary throughout his life, and now it will carry his family forward until they are once again reunited with him in heaven.

 

Gary treasured the strong friendships he formed over the years through his career, church community, bowling leagues and coffee shop buddies. Though often not the loudest voice in the room, those who knew Gary well could always count on his quick wit and sense of humor to deliver a perfectly timed one-liner, often accompanied by a chuckle and a sly grin. He had a gift for making everyone feel welcome at the table and was always the first to lead the prayer before each meal.

 

Most importantly, he valued and prioritized family. He cherished the time spent with his loved ones; never one to rush a conversation or miss out on an opportunity to share a story and a good laugh. Of all the roles Gary held throughout his life, those of Dad and Grandpa were by far his most treasured.  His grandchildren were some of his greatest gifts, and he took great pride in each and every one of them, always present for their special events and celebrating their personal interests and endeavors. Whether fishing at the pond, tending to the garden, riding the lawnmower, watching reruns on MeTV, or enjoying a bowl of chocolate ice cream – wherever Grandpa was, the grandkids were always close by.  His calm and steady presence brought comfort and companionship to all who knew him, and will be deeply missed by everyone he touched.

 

Gary is survived by his loving and devoted wife: Jeanine Wendling of Altamont; his children: Jason (Andrea) Wendling of Effingham and Jessica (Dave) King of Altamont; grandchildren: Allie Wendling, Graham Wendling, Colin Wendling, Riley King, Quinn King and Oliver King; his brothers: Vernon Dwaine (Kitty) Wendling of Effingham, Richard (Sara) Wendling of Mason, Don (Kathy) Wendling of Louisville; sister-in-law: Rita Westrom (Dan Wenzler) of Tinley Park; brothers-in-law: Larry Spilker of Altamont and Terry Clifton of Louisville, and many nieces, nephews, and dear friends.

Gary was preceded in death by his parents, his sister: Barbara Clifton, brother-in-law: Doug Westrom, and father and mother-in-law: Edwin and Myrtle Spilker.

 

Online condolences may be expressed at www.giesekingfh.com.