Michael Edward Wendel, Sr.

Michael Edward Wendel, Sr., 77, of Westlake passed away at 5:25 PM on Saturday, February 20, 2021 in a local hospital.

 Mr. Wendel was born in Denver, CO and was a graduate of Middle Township High School in New Jersey.  He moved to Lake Charles during his service in the US Air Force when he was stationed at Chennault Air Force Base. Mr. Wendel was a plant operator and retired from Lyondell Basell Industries.  He was a member of St. John Lutheran Church.

In his earlier years, he enjoyed fishing, hunting and was a recreational golfer.  He was an avid LSU sports fan.  Mr. Wendel had also been a mentor to transplant patients through the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.  However, first and foremost in his life was spending time with his children and grandchildren and being a loving husband.

Those left to cherish his memory are his loving wife of 44 years, Pauline “Polly” Wendel of Westlake; his children, Susan Wendel Loupe (Kirt) of Lake Charles, Michael Edward Wendel, Jr. (Sarah) of Green River, WY, and Marcy Wendel Sonnier (Matthew) of Broussard, LA; siblings, Cindy Goodroe (Louie) of North Cape May, NJ and Jeff Wendel (Barbara) of Downingtown, PA; grandchildren, Hunter Loupe (Erica), Grant Loupe (Elizabeth), Hannah Griffey (Ian), Michael Edward “Trey” Wendel, III, Elena, Jacob, and Ava Wendel, and Madalyn “Maddie” Sonnier; and one great grandson, Christopher Loupe.  He also leaves behind numerous in laws, nieces, and nephews, especially acknowledging Theresa Smith – his “Bird Dog.” 

He was preceded in death by his parents, Vincent Wendel and Beatrice Jaep and a sister-in-law, Christine Burt.

In lieu of flowers, a donation in his memory can be made to St. John Lutheran Church in Lake Charles, LA or the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.

Cremation was entrusted to Johnson Funeral Home.  The family will have a private memorial service.