Our loving father, Gregory Wayne Wendel, 54, of Bay City, Texas, went home to be with the Lord on Thursday, February 22, 2018. He was born in El Campo, TX to Bernard Joseph Wendel and Doris Hickl Wendel on August 25, 1963.

Greg graduated from Angleton High School in 1982 and played the saxophone all throughout his school years. Right after high school Greg farmed with his grandparents in El Maton. He played with the Texas Plainsmen's and Bobby Jones Czech Band for many years playing the saxophone, bass guitar, and numerous other instruments. He loved polka music and idolized the Vrazel's Polka Band. He was like the polka encyclopedia. He knew everything about every band!

Greg was a jack of all trades. He was a gardener, farmer, musician, carpenter, mechanic, and loved his chickens, rabbits, and cows. Most importantly, he was a devoted father who loved his children. We are grateful for him raising us in the Catholic church, and the musical talent and strong work ethic he passed down to us. He prayed the rosary every night and enjoyed going to church at Holy Cross Catholic Church and Our Lady of Guadalupe.

He is survived by his wife, Charlene Wendel, daughter Kristen Orsak (Zach), son Garret Wendel, father Bernard Wendel, sisters Denise Lezak (Mark) and Jennifer Hill (Peyton), brother David Wendel (Melanie) and numerous nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his mother, Doris Hickl Wendel, maternal grandparents August and Otilie Hickl, paternal grandparents Karl and Mary Wendel, and numerous aunts and uncles.

A Rosary/Visitation will be held at St. Peters Catholic Church in Blessing, Texas on Monday February 26, 2018 at 6:00 p.m. with Deacon Wally Rodriguez, and Funeral Mass at St. Peters on Tuesday, February 27, 2018 at 10:00 a.m., with Rev. Gabriel J. Mensah officiating. Interment will follow at St. Peters Cemetery.