Michael “Mike” Wendel, 67, of Chester, Iowa, passed away Thursday, March 10, 2016, at his home.

Michael Bernard Wendel was born Jan. 15, 1949, in Austin, Minnesota, to Bernard and Juletta (Bissen) Wendel. He was a 1968 graduate of the Cresco High School in Cresco, Iowa. After high school, Mike was a semi driver for seven years. On March 2, 1974, Mike was united in marriage to Karen Johnson. He then worked at Hormel in Austin, Minnesota, for 30 years, retiring in 2012. Mike enjoyed riding motorcycles, Harley Davidson, playing cards with his friends, hunting, fishing, and going to sales, garage sales, antique sales, and auctions.

Mike is survived by his wife, Karen of Chester, Iowa; brother-in-law, Reed (Leslie) Johnson of LeRoy, Minnesota; sister-in-law, Jane (Rick) Ullom of Chester, Iowa; many nieces and nephews; father, Bernard Wendel of Chester, Iowa; and brother, Jeff (Pam) Wendel of Chester, Iowa.

He was preceded in death by his mother; sister; and brother.

Burial for Michael “Mike” Wendel will take place at 3 p.m. Tuesday, March 15, 2016, at the Chester Hill Cemetery in Chester, Iowa. A time of gathering will take place from 4 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, March 15, 2016, at the Hindt Funeral Home in LeRoy, Minnesota. Condolences may be left online at www.hindtfuneralhomes.com.