Wendell William Buerkle passed away August 5, 2024, at Mercy Hospital in Coon Rapids, MN. Born December 17, 1948, Wendell was a life-long resident of Moltke Township, Gibbon, MN.

Wendell was a 1966 graduate of Gibbon High School, where he met his love, Myrna Jaenicke. They were married in 1971 and shared 53 years of marriage. Together they raised three children.

Wendell was passionate about farming and spent countless hours either on his red tractor or in a combine. He had various other jobs including hauling peas and corn to Seneca, and being an applicator tender for Ankers, Inc.

Hunting and fishing trips up north, coffee with the group, and baseball (especially the Gibbon Reds), were favorite past times. In previous years he enjoyed playing for the Reds, town softball, and bowling leagues. Wendell had a great sense of humor and loved a good story, both hearing and telling them. He was very active in church and enjoyed being a greeter.

Wendell once said, "Life is good when you're a grandpa!" and spent countless hours with his grandchildren and at all their activities.

Wendell is survived by his wife, Myrna, children; Christopher (Patty), Rhonda, and Angela, grandchildren; Ryley, Christian, Danny, Coltan, and Cooper. Brothers Darwin (Sue) Buerkle, JeRay (Sue) Buerkle, brothers-in-law Gary Jaenicke, and Mark Grasmon, nieces, nephews, and countless other family members and good friends.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Delmer and Lydia Buerkle, parents-in-law Glenn and Hattie Jaenicke; sister, Sonia Grasmon; and granddaughter Hope Buerkle, who shared his birthday.

Funeral service will be 11:00 am Thursday, August 8, 2024 at St. Peter's Lutheran Church in Moltke Township with Pastor Karl Grant officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery.

Visitation will be from 4:00 – 7:00 pm Wednesday, August 7, 2024 at St. Peter's Lutheran Church in Moltke Township and will continue one hour prior to the service at church on Thursday.

In lieu of flowers memorials are preferred to the American Cancer Society.