Carol J. Wendt

Carol J. Wendt, age 81, passed away on Wednesday, May 13, 2026 at ThedaCare Regional Medical Center in Appleton. She was born in Cadillac, MI on January 6, 1945 to the late Lawrence and Leone (Miller) Hansen.

From a very young age, Carol faced many hardships in life, yet she carried herself with grace and determination through every season. She was never one to seek recognition or attention, but those who knew her understood the depth of her resilience and the steady strength she carried within her.

As a young woman, Carol moved to Washington, D.C. where she worked at The Pentagon as secretary to the secretary of John F. Kennedy. This was an extraordinary time in her life. She then married Leonard Riehl and they moved to Wisconsin together to start their family. After the heartbreaking loss of Leonard, at a young age, she courageously raised her two sons as a single mother. Through that difficult time, her late husband’s family embraced her as one of their own, a bond that remained strong for 58 years. Her family wishes to extend their deepest gratitude for the love, support, and lifelong kindness the Riehl family showed her throughout the decades.

Carol later remarried Larry Wendt and became a devoted partner in life and business, working alongside her husband with their children in his construction company and helping build not only a business, but a home filled with love and care.

Carol’s life was marked by hard work and devotion to those she loved. She worked many jobs throughout the years whenever needed, including 22 dedicated years with Wal-Mart. No task was beneath her if it meant caring for her family.

Carol was not flashy in how she showed affection. Instead, her love was found in quiet acts of kindness; helping where needed, thinking of others before herself, lending a hand without being asked, and always making sure those around her were cared for. Her gentle heart and steadfast presence will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.

Above all else, she cherished her family. Her life was a testament to endurance, humility, sacrifice, and unconditional love.

Carol is survived by her children: Len (Stephanie) Riehl, Kandi (Joe) Kircher; grandchildren: Kirstin (Dan) Loosen, Jason Riehl, Megan Riehl, Alysha Riehl, Lawrence Riehl, Madasin Dorow, Dakota Dorow, Mason Kircher, Summer Kircher; great grandchildren: Hope and Harper Loosen; brother, Ronald (Shonda) Hansen; daughter-in-law, Missi Riehl; and extended Riehl family members. She was preceded in death by her husbands: Leonard Riehl and Larry Wendt; son, Lonny Riehl; and many beloved Riehl family members.

A funeral service will take place at 11:00 am on Wednesday, May 20, 2026 at Bethany Lutheran Church, 530 W Parkway Blvd, Appleton. Visitation will take place on Wednesday morning at the church from 9:00 am until the time of service. Entombment will take place at Highland Memorial Park.

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