Baird-Freeman Funeral Home

221 NORTH MERIDIAN STREET

PORTLAND, INDIANA 47371

260-726-7171

bairdfreeman@yahoo.com

David A. Wendel of Portland, IN passed away unexpectedly on February 17. 2025 at the age of 68. He was born February 14, 1957 in Jay County. He is survived by his wife, Christa (Barga) Wendel of 46 years, his sisters Becky Timmerman (Mike), Nancy Moser (Scott), Jane Kaup (Kenneth), Amy Durham (Steve), sister-in-law Jackie Gerber, brother Andy Wendel (Katy), and his In Laws Gary Barga (Jane), Carol Petske (Steve), Janette Minch (Joe), Cynthia Linder (Bill), Jerry Barga (Leigh Ann).

Dave is preceded in death by his parents Orville and Joann Wendel, mother and father-in-law Ivan and Ella Mae Barga, brother Edward Wendel, and nephew Jonathan Wendel.

Dave owned and operated Wendel's Carpet and Upholstery Cleaning. He also owned and operated the Padua Pub for 7 ½ years.

Dave loved to go fishing and especially loved to pick on all of his nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews. He also found joy in getting the kids to pick on Christa with him. He will be deeply missed by all that he came in contact with.

Mass of Christian Burial will be on Monday February 24th at 10:00 AM in the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church with Fr. Marty Sandhage presiding.  Burial will follow in the Green Park Cemetery.  Visitation will be on Sunday from 12:00 – 4:00 PM and Monday from 9:00 -9:45 AM in the Baird-Freeman Funeral Home.

Memorials can be for Masses or Jay County EMS.

Online condolences at www.bairdfreeman.com