Wendel Lee Peabody

Wendel Lee Peabody, Sr., passed away peacefully on Sunday, July 21, 2024, in Ft Myers, Florida. He was born on March 24, 1932, in Sunfield, MI, to James Lee and Velva (Barnum) Peabody. Wendel spent his early years on the family farm, beginning his education at the Figg School where his mother taught. He graduated from Sunfield High School in 1949 and later attended Michigan Agricultural College (now MSU).

Wendel joined the National Guard, playing the saxophone in the band until a medical discharge due to polio. On April 12, 1950, he married Loretta Goodrich, with whom he had four children: Wendel Peabody Jr., Jim Peabody, Rosie Best, and Carolyn Peabody.

Wendel enjoyed deer hunting and was an avid CB radio enthusiast, but his true passions lay in golf and playing cards. On the same date as his wedding anniversary, April 12th, he began his career at Fisher Body in Lansing, where he worked for over 37 years. Starting as an apprentice, Wendel rose through the ranks to become a licensed electrician, eventually serving as a Foreman, Supervisor, and Superintendent of Electrical Maintenance.

After Loretta's passing, Wendel found love again and married Pat Baltzer on May 26, 1989, enjoying over 32 years of marriage together. They love to travel and were snowbirds, spending winters in Florida and summers in Michigan. He was a life member of the Mulliken Masonic Lodge #412 and the Scottish Rite.

Wendel was preceded in death by his parents, Lee and Velva Peabody, his wives Loretta and Pat, and his son-in-law, Rick Hicks. He is survived by his children, Wendel Peabody Jr., Jim (Diny) Peabody, Rosie (Oren) Best, and Carolyn Peabody, as well as stepchildren Pam (Randy) Harris, Kim (Dale) Swedberg, and Cliff (Sue) Baltzer. He is also survived by 18 grandchildren, 36 great-grandchildren, and 11 great-great-grandchildren, along with his cherished fur companions, Boo and Sweetie.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Sunfield Area SPYS (Sponsors of Programs for Youth)

Visitation 6-8 PM Monday July 29, 2024. Funeral Services 11:00 AM – Tuesday July 30, 2024 all at the Sunfield United Methodist Church. Graveside Service 1:30 PM Tuesday at the Sunfield Cemetery.

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