Larry Lee Wendorf, 85, of Fort Atkinson, passed away peacefully on Saturday, May 2, 2026, at the Rainbow Hospice Care Inpatient Center in Johnson Creek.

Larry was born on January 9, 1941, in Watertown to Richard Henry and Meta Kathryn (Probst) Wendorf. He attended St. John’s Lutheran School in Jefferson and St. Paul’s Lutheran School in Fort Atkinson, later graduating from Fort Atkinson High School as a proud member of the Class of 1959. During those cherished school years, Larry was part of a memorable era in athletics, participating in football, basketball, and baseball.

Larry’s life was forever changed when he met Nancy Wood at the A&W Root Beer stand in Fort Atkinson. The two were united in marriage on November 11, 1961, beginning a loving partnership that spanned 64 years. Together—with the help of family and friends—they built their first home outside of Jefferson, where they lived for 22 years. Over time, Larry and Nancy built homes in Fort Atkinson, on Castle Rock Lake in Adams County, and in Newville, before eventually returning to Fort Atkinson.

Larry dedicated 34 years of hard work to Jones Dairy Farm, leaving in 1996. After moving to Castle Rock Lake, he worked with Strong’s Prairie Township, where he contributed to the development of the Northern Bay Golf Course and Condos. In retirement, Larry and Nancy embraced the joy of travel, exploring Europe and Alaska, and spending many winters in South Texas, where they especially enjoyed visiting Mexico.

Larry found happiness in life’s simple and meaningful pleasures. He loved hunting with his brother, nephews and daughter, golfing, and cheering on his favorite teams—whether watching or attending Packers games, Badger football and basketball, or NASCAR races. He was also a longtime member of the Jefferson Sportsmen Club, where he shared his passion for the outdoors and camaraderie.

Larry was preceded in death by his parents; infant brothers Dickie and Glenn; brother Wayne; sisters Dorothy Becker, Elayne Finn, and Phyllis Hollenbeck; brothers-in-law Carl Becker, Tom Finn, and Robert (Pug) Hollenbeck; and sister-in-law Marcie Roahen.

He is lovingly remembered by his wife, Nancy; daughters Debbie Grams (Steve) of Necedah, WI, and Melissa Wendorf (Glenn Moorehead) of Stoughton, WI; granddaughter Alyssa Grams (Jameson Laub) of Cortez, CO; grandson Jordan (Brittney) Jones of Stoughton; great-granddaughter Gethsemane Jones; brothers-in-law David (Fud) Roahen and Dave Hack; sisters-in-law Judy Hack and Carolyn Wendorf; along with many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, and dear friends.

Larry’s family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the caregivers at Rainbow Hospice for the kindness, dignity, and comfort they provided during his final days.

The family would like to thank Dunlap Memorial Home in Fort Atkinson for their compassionate care and guidance during this time.

A celebration of Larry’s life will be held at BASE Fort Atkinson on Saturday, June 13 from Noon to 4:00 pm.

Memorial donations may be made to Rainbow Hospice Care, the Humane Society of Jefferson County, or the Adams County Humane Society in Larry’s honor.

Though he will be deeply missed, Larry’s love and steady presence will live on in the hearts of all who knew him.

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