Douglas Edward Wendling

Douglas Edward Wendling, 81, of Las Cruces, NM passed away peacefully surrounded by family on July 25, 2024, after a brief & sudden illness. Doug was born October 14, 1942, in Minneapolis, MN to Hobart and Lillian (Schultz) Wendling. The family moved to Illinois when he was a child and he remained in the Midwest until moving to New Mexico in 2007. He proudly served in the United States Navy on the USS John A. Bole, was a graduate from the DeVry Institute of Technology, and happily retired. He was a member of FBC Las Cruces.

He is survived by his devoted wife of nearly 52 years, Penny; daughter, Kimberly (Mark) Bedwell of Lakeland, FL; grandchildren, Christian (Kara) Bedwell of Kissimmee, FL and Shelby Bedwell of Lakeland, FL; and sister, Judy Pike, of Rockford, IL. Doug is preceded in death by his parents and sister, Barb Riverdahl. 

A Celebration of Life will be held at 11am on Monday, July 29, 2024, at First Baptist Church Las Cruces, 4201 N Sonoma Ranch Blvd. The family will greet friends from 10am until the time of service. Military honors will immediately follow the service. A gathering with family will be held in Illinois at a later date.

Doug enjoyed woodworking, geocaching, hiking, camping, fishing, canoeing, snorkeling, travelling, singing in the choir, watching his grandchildren perform in plays & musicals, and cheering for his Chicago Cubs. He was a beloved Sunday School Teacher, volunteer, and Gideon. Doug and Penny also served on numerous mission trips both nationally and globally. 

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the FBC Las Cruces Building Fund or One More Child (www.onemorechild.org).