AGNES JOAN WENDT

Agnes Joan Wendt passed peacefully on April 19, 2024, in Alpena, Michigan after a weeks-long battle with COVID. Born on July 20, 1932, in Herndon, Virginia, Agnes’ journey through life was marked by her enduring warmth and joy she brought to all who knew her.

The true essence of Agnes’ life was her devotion to her family, friends, and community. She found immense joy in the simple pleasures of life, such as spending time with family, friends, and her beloved dog, Ginger.

Agnes’ early years in Virginia laid a strong foundation for the remarkable woman she would become. After graduating from high school, she served her country working for the Department of the Army at the Pentagon, a role she fulfilled with pride. Later, after many years as a homemaker, she worked as a secretary at Alpine North Insurance in Alpena. Her support of the military and love of country was demonstrated as a past president of the VFW Auxiliary for the State of Michigan, where Agnes’ leadership and passion were evident.

Agnes’ love story was beautifully scripted in two chapters. She was preceded in death by her first husband, Robert Portmess Hill, “Port,” and later by her second husband, Irving Robert Wendt, “Bob.” Together with Port, she welcomed Steven, Joan, and Timothy into the world. After her marriage to Bob in 1969, she welcomed son Robert to the new family and, later, their daughter Julie Ann, who passed away soon after birth.

Agnes Wendt

She is survived by her children Steven Robert Hill and his wife Clementina, who live in Hercules, California; Joan Marie and Jay Hammond of Alpena, Michigan; Timothy Edward Wendt and wife Deborah of Yuma, Arizona; and Robert Irving and Jane Wendt of Harleysville, Pennsylvania.

After living most of her life in or near Falls Church, Virginia., and losing Port, Agnes left with second husband Bob for far-off Germany where they raised their newly blended family for four years. Returning to the U.S., she lived in Maryland and, after Bob’s retirement, in Hubbard Lake, Michigan briefly before settling in Alpena.

After the children were grown, she and Bob lived in Plant City, Florida and Yuma, Arizona. After Bob’s death in 2012, she alternated time between her Yuma home and each of her children’s homes.

Agnes’ life was enriched by her grandchildren Jessica (now Lundquist) and Julianne (now Cordes) Hammond; Joshua and Jacob Hill; Paulina and Fernando Padilla; Katherine (now Norris), Colin, and Rebecca Wendt; and Daniel Wendt — each of whom held a special place in her heart.

Her hobbies, which included remarkably gifted cooking, baking, traveling, walking, and shopping, were often shared with her cherished children, grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren, whom she adored.

Though she now joins her beloved daughter Julie Ann, spouses, her parents Ernest and Charlotte Nixon, and her siblings Edith Hurley and Burley Coulter in peaceful rest, the memories and lessons she imparted remain a guiding light for her family and many friends.

Agnes’s life was a testament to her loving nature, her selfless dedication to others, and her spirited approach to life’s challenges and adventures. Her legacy will be cherished and kept alive in the stories passed down through generations, the traditions she established, and the unwavering love she shared.

Agnes will be buried at a later date at Arlington National Cemetery with husband Bob and daughter Julie Ann.

McWilliams Funeral Home of Alpena assisted the family with arrangements.