Carole Bertha (Tangen) Wendlandt was born November 16, 1936 in Winneshiek County, the daughter of Otto and Elsie (Tinderholt) Tangen. She was confirmed at Decorah Lutheran Church. Carole attended rural elementary school in Canoe Township, Decorah. She graduated from Decorah High School in 1955, and went on to attend Luther College for a two-year Elementary Degree, finishing her Bachelor of Arts degree at Winona College while teaching in Mabel, Minnesota. Her teaching career began in Mabel and continued until retiring in 1992.
Carole was united in marriage to Donald Wendlandt in December 1960 at Stavanger Lutheran Church in Ossian. She was a very active member of Stavanger Lutheran, holding various offices such as WELCA president, Mission and Stewardship Committee, teaching Sunday School, and mentoring of young people in the congregation.
For many years Carole and Don enjoyed welcoming exchange students from Mexico and the area surrounding Mabel, into their home forming life-long relationships.
Carole passed away Sunday, March 8, 2015 at the Gundersen Hospital in LaCrosse, Wisconsin at the age of 78.
Carole is survived by sisters-in-law Ruth (Thomas) Schultz of LaCrosse, Wisconsin, and Linda Ender of Tennessee; brother-in-law Carl Wendlandt of Pennsylvania; sister-in-law Norma Wendlandt of Texas; brother-in-law Gary Hastings of Nebraska; several cousins; three godchildren Amy Lage of Postville, Iowa, Jon Young of Decorah, Iowa, and Stacy Vollands of Scotland; and her wonderful family from Mexico.
She was preceded in death by her parents, and husband, Donald.
Funeral services will be 10:30 AM Friday, March 13, 2015 at the Stavanger Lutheran Church in rural Ossian, Iowa with Irmgard and Rev. Wayne Ellingson officiating. Burial will be in the Stavanger Cemetery. Visitation will be from 5 – 7 PM Thursday, March 12 the Mengis Funeral Home in Mabel and one hour prior to services at the church. |
