Gerald E Wendt

Gerald E. Wendt, 87, of Franklin died at 7:37 a.m. Thursday, September 17, 2015 at The Caring Place.

A son of Karl J. and Maude Sykes Wendt, he was born in Rome, NY on September 26, 1927. He was a graduate of Verona High School. He received his B.S. in Education from New York State University, Oswego, NY and his Master's in Communication from Indiana University, Bloomington, IN.

He began his career in education by teaching at Red Creek Central Elementary School in Red Creek, NY. He came to Franklin School District as a media specialist, later he served as principal of the Middle School and concluded his career as principal of the Polk, Utica and Sandycreek Elementary Schools. He retired in 1993.

A veteran of the Korean War, Jerry served in the U.S. Army from 1954-1957. He continued to show his respect for his country by flying the American Flag every day.

Active in the community he was a member of the Rocky Grove Presbyterian Church, where he had served as elder, trustee and deacon. He had been a volunteer for the Meals-on-Wheels and was past president of the Franklin Kiwanis Club and had served as the district Lt. Governor.

On June 5, 1954 he married the former Marie MacDonald, she survives along with two sons Gary N. Wendt and his wife JoAnn of Orlando, FL and Richard K. Wendt and his wife Heidi of Pensacola, FL; a daughter Donna M. Wendt of Gainesville, FL, two grandchildren Abby M. Wendt and Joshua G. Wendt. Also surviving are his sister Marilyn M. Countryman of Rome, NY, three sisters-in-law Virginia Wendt and Jenny Wendt of Rome, NY and Winifred MacDonald of Fayetteville, AR and a brother-in-law Neil MacDonald and his wife Marlyn of West End,NC and several nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by four brothers Ronald, Robert, John and Karl Wendt and a sister Marjorie Wendt.

Friends will be received in the Huff Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 312 W. Park St. from 1-4 p.m. Tuesday. Funeral services will be held at 4:15 p.m. in the funeral home with the Rev. Robert Scheer, a former colleague, officiating. Full military honors will be rendered by the V.E.T.S. Honor Guard.

Interment will be made in Rome Cemetery, Rome, NY

Memorial donations may be made to Kiwanis Children Fund, 3636 Woodview Trace, Indianapolis, IN 46268.