In Celebration of the Life of Philip Andrew Wendelin

Philip Andrew Wendelin, 70, passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, April 7, of complications following surgery in Shreveport, LA. It is with great sorrow that we announce the loss of his life – as the love, joy and warmth he brought into our world was ever-present and palpable. He will be missed.

Born to Reverend Robert Wendelin and Mrs. Margaret Goetz Wendelin in Fort Dodge, IA on October 19, 1953, Phil grew up in Highland Park, IL, where he became an avid railroad buff, before moving with his father's ministry to Buffalo, NY in 1971. It was there that Phil began his 36+ year career working with General Motors. As an automotive professional and line supervisor, he worked in plants across Buffalo, NY and Shreveport. After working his way through skilled trades school, Phil became a journeyman electrician with extensive experience in robotics and automation among many other positions across the line. When the Shreveport plant closed in 2009, he went on to work as a robotics supervisor with Aerotek, Inc. before retiring in 2012.

An eternal optimist and deeply spiritual man, Phil was a wonderful, principled father, brother, husband, and grandfather who wore his heart on his sleeve – and left an indelible mark on all of his family and friends.

He was an active member of the church council at St. Stephen Lutheran, loved photography, railroad "training," working on his '55 Chevy with his car club friends, pizza making (and eating), listening to J.S. Bach, and playing with his grandkids. And he was always working on a puzzle, whether it be the New York Times Crossword, Sudoku, or the many riddles that life brings. In recent years, he was teaching himself to play guitar and enjoying spending time with his partner, Ginny, tending to their garden.

Phil is survived by his wife, Virginia; his daughter Stephanie (husband Paul) and grandson, Hugo; two stepdaughters from his former marriage, Patricia (husband Max) and Melanie (husband Joe) -- to whom he was "dad" -- and their children, who called him "papa": Joshua, Caleb, Kade (wife Michalee, daughter Brooklynn, son Krue) and Kinleigh.

He is also survived by his siblings Michael (wife Johanna), Cathy (husband Robert), and John (wife Joanmarie) and nieces and nephews Laura Beth, Frank, Luke, and Anna; as well as a brother-in-law, Al Daniel and two step-daughters from his marriage with Ginny, Jessica and Kezia.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Robert & Margaret; his aunt Audrey, uncle Paul; and his former wife, Sylvia.

Ginny and the entire family are grateful for this community -- for all you meant to Phil and all your support for us. Please join us in a celebration of his life and faith. A visitation (2:00-4:00PM) followed by funeral service (4:00-5:00PM) will be held on Thursday, April 11, 2024 at St. Stephen Lutheran Church (8400 Kingston Rd, Shreveport, LA 71108).

In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to Lutheran World Relief or Providence House in his name.