Edward “Buddy” E. Wende
Edward “Buddy” Ernest Wende went home to heaven on Monday, March 22, 2021, where he was met by beloved family members and friends who have gone before him.
He was born April 3, 1924, to Daniel John and Wilhelmine “Minnie” Christine Stroebel Wende, on the family farm south of Cisco. Buddy was baptized as one of Jesus’ children on April 20, 1924, at Christ Lutheran Church, also south of Cisco. He reaffirmed his love for his Savior through Confirmation on May 9, 1937.
When he was 6 years old, Buddy began his first grade at the rural Lutheran school in Albany, Texas; three weeks later he was transitioned to second grade where he continued to be an “A” student. The family soon moved back to their farm south of Cisco, where Buddy continued his elementary education, through 5 th grade, at the Pleasant Hill school. His junior high education was acquired at the Christ Lutheran Church School. He attended public schools for his high school education, graduating from Cisco High School in 1941. In the fall of 1941, Buddy attended Draughon’s Business School in Ft. Worth, where he completed a semester before returning to Cisco to help his father on the family farm.
Like many of his cousins in Cisco, Buddy enlisted in the military when World War II started. He proudly served in the United States Navy from December 23, 1944, until his honorable discharge on April 23, 1946. He had achieved the rank of Seaman First Class. While serving in the U.S. Navy, he received his basic training at the U.S. Naval Training Center, attending Cook and Baker School in San Diego, CA. He learned skills there to cook for the crews aboard the USS Hunter-Liggett and USS Towner. As one of his favorite pastimes, Buddy enjoyed sharing stories of the time spent serving his country in the Asiatic-Pacific Theater. He loved his country and was proud to have been known as a WWII veteran.
When he was discharged from the U.S. Navy, Buddy returned to his peanut farm south of Cisco, where he work his crops and laid brick for others. Over the course of his working years, he also worked at Boss Manufacturing factory, Rockwall Lumber Company and the U.S. Postal Service, where he concluded his career after 42 years, retiring at the age of 76.
In order to prepare for retirement, Buddy set up a woodworking shop where he produced beautiful, German-style clocks. Many friends and family members have been gifted with pieces of his handwork. He loved working with wood, gardening and growing roses, and he kept his mind sharp by working crossword puzzles.
Buddy loved his Savior and was always active in the church, serving in various offices over the years and as a faithful role-model for his family.
He is survived by his wife, Lola, with whom he recently celebrated 50 years of marriage as of September 11 th , 2020. Buddy is also survived by two daughters: Pat Frost (Rudy) and Jo Hughes (Danny); nine grandchildren: Wende Frost, Lafe Frost, Robert Griggs, IV (Tina), Casey Griggs, Cassie Tibbetts (Chad), Stephen Hughes, Daniel Dean, Lonnie Wende, Amber Nelson (Andy) and Staci Shults. Additionally, Buddy leaves behind nine greatgrandchildren and two great-great grandchildren.
He was predeceased by his parents, two daughters: Marjorie Talaga and Judy Simpson; one son: Stan Wende; a granddaughter: Christy Hughes; and his brother: Charles Wende.
Funeral service for Mr. Wende was held Friday, March 26 th at 11:00 a.m. at Redeemer Lutheran Church in Cisco. A visitation was held Thursday, March 25 th from 5:00-7:00 p.m. at Kimbrough Funeral Home in Cisco.
Memorial donations may be made to: Redeemer Lutheran Cemetery Association, 1711 Conrad Hilton, Cisco, Texas 76437 or any other charitable organization.