Pauline Wendt

Pauline Margaret Wendt, of Dysart, peacefully passed from this life on Saturday, April 17, 2021, at the age of 98, after a very brief illness. She was born October 30, 1922 the middle child of Rudolf and Cecilia (Krutzfeldt) Siemens between Woodrow, who was 10 years her senior, and her sister Alta, two years younger. The family left their farm in Osage, Iowa when they moved to Delta during the depression and then on to Dysart in July 1934. High School graduation from Dysart High School in 1941 was the beginning of many adventures for Pauline. She spoke of learning how to drive at 18, then learning how to ride a bike at 23. Her first job was doing housework for others, earning $3 a week, before working at the dime store, Bader’s Grocery Store and Pioneer Seed Corn Co. As a young woman, Pauline enjoyed spending time with friends, attending dances, going to roller rinks, bowling and playing canasta. During the summer dance seasons, the young women would attend a dance almost every night. Pauline married Howard Erwin Wendt on April 12, 1953, and they continued to make their home in Dysart. Like many women of her generation, Pauline’s life purpose was raising her family. They had four children, Jon Karl, James Kevin, Jerold Kerwin and Julie Kay. Pauline was active in the community volunteering where needed, including leading troops of Cub Scouts and Girl Scouts. The family took many vacations where she was the designated chauffer because she enjoyed driving. Favorite locations included fishing in Canada or visiting her brother in Washington State. She was actively involved at Zion Lutheran Church where she was a lifelong member as part of Alter Guild, Woman’s Circle, and property caretaker. In her later years, she was involved with the Dysart Cemetery board. Her favorite pastimes were sewing and quilting, traveling, and spending time with family and friends. She lived in her own home until her 95th birthday when she transitioned to Sunnycrest Nursing Center. Pauline was preceded in death by her parents, a brother, Woodrow Siemens and sister, Alta Minkel, her husband, Howard Wendt, and son, Jerold Wendt. She is survived by sons Jon Wendt and James Wendt, daughter, Julie (Syd) Dawson of Maple Valley, Washington, grandson, David Dawson of Stuttgart, Germany and granddaughter, Sydney Dawson of Manassas, Virginia. Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, April 24th at 11:00 a.m. at Zion Lutheran Church, Dysart. Visitation will be one hour before the service at the church. Burial in the Dysart Cemetery following the service. Masks are required for visitation and/or service. Memorials can be directed to the family at 24825 231st Ave SE, Maple Valley, WA 98038. A donation will be made at a later date.