Harold "Hal" Philip Wendler

Harold “Hal” Philip Wendler, 98, a longtime resident of Dixon, IL, passed away on Saturday, January 25, 2025, at Heritage Square in Dixon.

Hal was born on July 12, 1926, to Fred and Wilhelmina “Minnie” (Berger) Wendler in South Amana, IA. He received his early education in the Amana public schools. While a high school sophomore, he rescued a boy from drowning in the Iowa River and received the Boy Scouts of America Heroism Award. Before his senior year, he was drafted into the Army and received basic training in Little Rock, AR. From there, he was assigned to the 30th division for fighting in Europe. While on a train heading to the front lines, the war with Germany was declared over. He then served as a radio operator in Germany and had the experience of attending some of the Nuremberg trials.

Upon his return from the military, Hal spent one year working with a house contractor, where he learned many valuable skills including plumbing, electrical work, and carpentry. These skills served Hal well throughout his life with many home projects, often assisting family and friends.

Hal then attended Upper Iowa University for one year and transferred to the University of Iowa. He proudly graduated with a Civil Engineering degree in 1953.

Hal married Rose Ehrle on June 18, 1950, in Homestead, IA. They both were active members of the Amana Church and the Amana Society. They celebrated 73 beautiful years together until Rose passed in August of 2023. Hal and Rose settled in Springfield, IL, where Hal designed bridges for the State of Illinois.

Hal received a job opportunity in Dixon, IL, which he accepted and then moved his young family to Dixon in November of 1954. After several years with Willet & Hoffman, he started his own business, Wendler Engineering. Hal completed bridge, highway, and other projects throughout Lee and surrounding counties. He performed civil engineering work for Sauk Valley Community College and also designed the current Dixon Veterans Memorial Arch on Galena Avenue, completed in 1985. He was the first in Dixon to venture into mini-warehouse rental units.

Hal was a member of Theta Tau Fraternity, the American Association of Civil Engineers, the Society of Structural Engineering, the Dixon Elks Club, and Sister Cities. He also served as a member of Rotary, the YMCA board, and as President of the Dixon Library Board.

The First Presbyterian Church of Dixon was an important part of Hal’s life for almost 70 years. He and Rose both served as elders in the church for several terms and served on many committees. Hal’s engineering expertise proved valuable, while serving on the building committee for six years, where he helped to remodel the sanctuary, social hall, narthex, and other areas of the church.

Hal and Rose loved traveling to visit family and friends and enjoyed many trips abroad. Cruising became a favorite vacation pastime. For more than 25 years, they loved their winter home in Naples, FL, where Hal enjoyed socializing with friends, playing golf at Stonebridge Country Club, and attending the Vanderbilt Presbyterian Church. Family was always a priority as Rose and Hal hosted numerous family get togethers, pool parties, and attended all family graduations and weddings.

Hal and Rose became parents of three children whom they are survived by, Sheri (Jed) Miller from Shoreline, WA, Lori (Bob) Hartnett of Lincolnshire, IL, and Alan (Linda) Wendler from Carlsbad, CA; five grandchildren, Rachael (Aalok) Shah, Lani (Tony) Salazar, Aron (Katie) Miller, Daniel (Elizabeth) Wendler, and Dana (Ryan) Carbonneau; four great-grandchildren, Evan and Nolan Shah, and Lily and Margot Carbonneau.

Hal’s family was his pride and joy, and he loved every opportunity to connect in person or through FaceTime calls. His gentle kindness, optimistic attitude, sense of humor, and ever-present smile will be profoundly missed.

Hal was preceded in death by his wife, Rose; his parents, Fred and Minnie; older sister, Arlene; and younger brother, Raymond.

A visitation will be held from 12:00 p.m., to 1:30 p.m., on Monday, May 19, 2025, at the Middle Amana Church, Middle Amana, with a service to follow at 1:30 p.m. Private family burial will be at the Homestead Cemetery, Homestead.

Memorial gifts in honor of Harold Wendler may be sent to the First Presbyterian Church, 110 E. 3rd Street, Dixon, IL 61021, and The Amana Church Society, PO Box 103, Middle Amana, IA 52307.