Mary E (Kempf) Wendt

Of Weyauwega, age 80, passed away at her home on Friday, January 16, 2026 with her husband, Dale by her side. Mary was born on January 25, 1945 in Waupaca, the daughter of Marvin and Marion (Loehrke) Kempf.

Mary attended school in Weyauwega and received her GED from Fox Valley Tech. On September 9, 1961 she married Dale Wendt and together they raised two sons, Douglas and Daniel and daughter, Brenda. Mary had many passions throughout her life including bowling and throwing darts. For the last 35 years Mary owned Little River Aviary where she raised and rescued birds. Mary also had a passion for bird and animal swaps and rummage sales with her husband, a Friday fish fry or Sunday chicken BBQ, as well as gardening. First and foremost, Mary was a farmer’s wife, milking cows and doing all the chores around the farm. Mary also had numerous jobs in her life away from the farm. She was a 4-H Leader for many years. Mary along with her husband opened their home to family members, taking care of them during their final years. They also did Adult Foster Care. Mary was a life long member of Emmaus Lutheran Church.

Mary is survived by her loving husband: Dale, who cared for her at their home the last 4 years. She is further survived by her children: Daniel (Mischelle) Wendt and Brenda (Gaylord) Batten; grandsons: Nathan (Kirsten), Bryan (Holly) and Dustan (fiancée, Maria) Wendt. Matthew (Sami) Stuebs, Aaron (special friend, Tiffany) and Adam (fiancée, Morgan) Batten; 12 great grandchildren, 2 step great grandchildren; brother: John (Kathi) Kempf and 2 nephews. Mary was preceded in death by her parents, mother and father-in-law, Stella and Harvey Wendt, son, Douglas Wendt and sister-in-law, Kris Kempf.

The Funeral Service will be on Saturday, January 31, 2026 at 6 p.m. at the Maple Crest Funeral Home.  The visitation will be on Saturday at the funeral home from 4 p.m. until the time of the service.

A special thank you to caregiver, Bree, who helped take care of Mary in her last months.

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