Larry John Wendt, age 58 died unexpectedly and peacefully at home on Thursday, February 21, 2008. He was born in Baraboo on August 3, 1949 the Son of Lester and Betty (Decker) Wendt. Larry grew up on his parents farm in Merrimac. He graduated from Sauk Prairie High School in 1968 where he was homecoming King in 1967. Larry served his country in the Navy during the Vietnam War from1968-1972. He married Rosemary Raschka on January 8, 1972.They lived in Sauk City for 22 years before they built their dream home in rural Merrimac in 1998. Larry truly loved spending time with his family and friends. Everyone in Merrimac, who knew Larry enjoyed his company. One of his favorite pastimes was spending time at the Owl's Head Ranch with its owners Don and Nancy Nelson and one of his lifelong friends Denny Beich. Larry enjoyed the outdoors, his garden, and canning tomatoes and pickles. He and Denny grew and sold pumpkins. The local school children would tour their patch and then took pumpkins home with them. Larry was currently employed since 1977 at Lakeside Foods in Reedsburg (formerly, the Sauk City Canning Company). He is survived by: His Wife of 36 years, Rosemary, of Merrimac; two sons, Benjamin 31, of Merrimac and Nicholas 28 (Sarah) of Evansville Indiana; his mother, Betty of Baraboo; two brothers, Lonnie (Jane) Wendt of Pulaski and Michael Wendt of Hawaii; 3 sisters, Barbara (Ron) Dobrinska of Barneveld, Beverly (Gene) Higgins of Baraboo and Becky Wendt of Baraboo; aunt, Evelyn (Gene) Thompson of Baraboo; uncle (brother) Richard (Janice) Decker of Apple River, IL; and many loving nieces, nephews and cousins. He was preceded in death by his Father Lester in February of 1995; a special nephew and Godchild, Cameron Wendt in Sept. 2007 and an Uncle (Brother) Joe Duvall in Feb.,2008. A Memorial Service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, March 1, 2008 at the Merrimac United Methodist Church in Merrimac, with Pastor Anita Genrich officiating. Friends may call on Friday February 29, 2008 from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at the HOOVERSON FUNERAL HOME, Sauk City and also at the church on Saturday from 9:00 until the time of the service. Loving and kind in all his ways, upright and just to the end of his days; Sincere and true in his heart and mind, a beautiful memory he left behind. He had a nature you could not help loving, a heart that was purer than gold; and to those who knew him and loved him, his memory will never grow old.