Fred Wendlandt

Fred August Wendlandt passed away surrounded by his family in Leander, Texas, on December 31, 2022 at the age of 86.

Fred was born on January 6, 1936 in Austin, Texas, to the late Ludwig and Eda Haenel Wendlandt. He graduated from Austin High School in 1954, and attended Texas Lutheran University where he played both basketball and baseball. Following college, he served in the Army National Guard before pursuing a career in the printing business in Austin. He worked at Texas Mailing and Printing, which later became known as Communications Specialists Inc. After many years of serving as president of Communications Specialists, he and his wife, Shirley, retired to their cattle ranch in Mills County, Texas. They became active in Shiloh Bible Church in Richland Springs, Texas, and spent countless weekends hosting gatherings with family and friends.

Fred married Shirley Ann Myers on December 18, 1959. The couple settled in Austin where they raised their two sons, Clark and Scott. As a family, they spent most weekend together in the outdoors – hunting or fishing. Fred had a profound influence on his children’s lives. He introduced them to the outdoors, spent countless hours with them fishing and hunting and was a constant presence at their sporting events. He gave them the freedom to explore their interests and encouraged them to pursue their passions.

Fred is preceded in death by his parents, his brother George Wendlandt, and his beloved wife of 62 years, Shirley. He is survived by his children, Clark Wendlandt and wife, Patti; Scott Wendlandt and wife, Tavia; his grandchildren, Emily Wersig and husband, Michael; Morgan Smith and husband, Sean; Katie Rios and husband, Randy; Lindsay Wendlandt; and great grandson, Brooks Clark Wersig; as well as by his sister, Rea Wiruscheske. He is also survived by many beloved nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Fred’s gentle demeanor, quick wit and fun-loving personality blessed and impacted everyone he came in contact with. A “jolly good fellow,” as dubbed in his high school yearbook, he had the ability to make anything fun. His legacy and love of family and friends will live on for generations in the hearts and minds of those whose lives he touched.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Shiloh Bible Church, P.O. Box 216, Richland Springs, TX 76871-0216; the American Cancer Society at cancer.org or a charity of your choosing. The family would like to thank the kind and compassionate caregivers at Riva Ridge Assisted Living and our friend, Lisa Webb.