Allen Edward Wendland

Although he could be a bit stubborn at times, Allen Wendland had a heart of gold and was deeply loved by those around him.

The first half of the 1930s were some of the darkest days in our nation’s history as these were the most acute days of the Great Depression. As President Roosevelt began implementing his New Deal, it is estimated that 67 thousand homeless children roamed the streets of New York. It was amidst this trying time that there was much to celebrate for one young family in Buffalo, Wisconsin, since it was on March 23, 1933, that they celebrated the birth of their son. Allen Edward was welcomed home by his parents, Otto Henry Paul and Stella Minnie (Krause) Wendland, and was one of four children in his family including his siblings Delores, Glenn, and Merlin. He attended local schools and later received training as a medic.

As a young man, life took Allen in a few different directions. He served in the Army during the Korean Conflict from May 28, 1953 until the time of his discharge on May 3, 1955. Although Allen spent his formative years in Buffalo, located in the western region of the state along the Mississippi River, he moved to Milwaukee during his twenties. He settled in Milwaukee’s Bay View neighborhood where he remained throughout the rest of his life.

It was in Milwaukee that Allen made a life for himself. He faithfully worked as a machinist at Allis-Chalmers for 31 years. Allen also became great friends with a dear woman, Delores Duplanty, with whom he shared more than 50 years of his life. He became a part of her family – so much so that her grandchildren knew him as “grandpa.” Many of these grandchildren affectionately called Allen “Blue Eyes” because he had the deepest blue eyes they had ever seen. As his health declined during the sunset of his life, they helped him with some of his daily needs. When his health concerns became too much, Allen moved into an assisted living facility where he spent the remainder of his days.

There were so many things that made Allen such a unique individual. He was a snappy dresser during his younger years, but later in life a flannel shirt became his dress of choice. Allen was of German descent which is perhaps what made him stubborn and challenging at times, especially when it came to him going to the doctor or hospital.

A true friend in every sense of the word, Allen Wendland was a remarkable man to know and love. He embraced each and every day he was given, leaving behind a treasure trove of memories to be cherished by those he leaves behind.

Allen Wendland died on Feb. 3, 2011. Allen’s family includes his best friend and companion, Delores Duplanty, his brother, Merlin (Clarice) Wendland, his special “grandchildren,” Sandra Alonte, Chris Sherer, Michael Duplanty, Rick Duplanty, Wayne Duplanty, and Rochelle Duplanty; nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends. Allen was preceded in death by his parents Otto and Stella (Krause) Wendland; his sister, Delores Tandetzke; and his brother, Glenn Wendland; . Visitation at the Funeral Home, 2486 S. Kinnickinnic Ave. Milwaukee, WI 53207, on Wednesday, February 9, 2011 from 3:30 p.m. until the time of the Funeral Services at 7:30 p.m. Interment Buffalo City Cemetery at a later date. Suminski Family Funeral Homes, Niemann / Suminski, (414) 744-5156. Please visit www.lifstorynet.com where you can leave a memory or photo or sign the online guestbook.