Baird-Freeman Funeral Home

221 North Meridian

Portland, Indiana 47371

260-726-7171

Joann E. Wendel, age 89, passed away peacefully at her home in Portland on September 13, 2022.  Joann was born on August 2, 1933 the daughter of Daniel and Florence (Freund) Schindler.  She was married on April 7, 1956 to Orvel Wendel and he passed away on December 4, 2015.

Joann was a homemaker for many years.  She did work outside the home for Jay School Corporation, Richard's Restaurant and North Side Carryout. Joann loved working with the public and was a member of a bowling league for many years.  She was a member of Mary Help of Christians Catholic Church in Ft. Recovery.  She enjoyed watching her grandkids sporting events and was an avid Colts and Reds fan.

Surviving are her children David Wendel (wife Christa) of Portland, Becky Timmerman (husband Mike) of Portland, Andy Wendel (wife Katy) of Portland, Nancy Moser (husband Scott) of Arizona, Jane Kaup (husband Kenny) of Arizona , Ed Wendel who preceded her in death and Amy Durham (husband Steve) of South Carolina, Surviving siblings her twin sister Jeanette Grieshop of Ft. Recovery and Donna Homan of Coldwater.  Fourteen grandchildren and twelve great grandchildren.  She was preceded in death by her siblings Irvin Schindler, Betty Grief, Ruth Knapke, Pauline Miller, Emilda Gerber and Margaret Franks.

Mass of Christian Burial will be Tuesday September 20, 2022 at 10:30 AM in Mary Help of Christians Catholic Church in Ft. Recovery with Fr. Mike Kapolka presiding.  Burial will follow in the Green Park Cemetery in Portland.  Visitation will be Monday from 4:30 – 7:30 PM and Tuesday from 9:00 – 9:45 AM in the Baird-Freeman Funeral Home in Portland.  In lieu of Flowers memorials can be made to St. Judes Children's Hospital.  Online condolences at www.bairdfreeman.com