McAfee, Wendel J.

Wendel J. McAfee, 85, of Cedar Rapids, died Saturday, Feb. 20, 2010, at Winslow House Care Center, Marion, following a short illness. Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Thursday at Westminster Presbyterian Church, Cedar Rapids, with the Rev. Jim Langley officiating. Friends may call from 5 to 7 p.m. Wednesday at the Cedar Memorial Park Funeral Home. Private entombment will take place at the Cedar Memorial Park Chapel of Memories Mausoleum. Military rites by Iowa Military Funeral Honors.

Surviving are his children, Daniel McAfee of Cedar Rapids, David McAfee and wife Kim of Erlanger, Ky., and Sue Bennett of Cedar Rapids; and three granddaughters, Alyssa and Kristen McAfee of Erlanger, Ky., and Jill Bennett of Cedar Rapids.

He is also survived by a number of nieces, including Judi (Jim) McDowell of Colona, Ill.; and former son-in-law, Bill Bennett.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Mary; brothers, Willard and Clifford; and his sister, Leta Paustian.

Wendel Jackson McAfee was born Sept. 25, 1924, in Creston, Iowa, the son of Harland and Edna Alexander McAfee. He graduated from Davenport High School. He enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1943 and served in the 714th tank battalion of the 12th Armored Division, serving in the European Theater and fought in the battle of Herlisheim and awarded two bronze battle stars.

Wendel attended Stanford, U.C.L.A. and New Mexico A & M, then graduated magna cum laude from Augustana College, Rock Island, Ill., in 1953. He then joined McGladrey & Pullen as a CPA, and became partner in 1960 and retired in 1983.

In January 1953, he married Mary Margaret Derderian in Davenport, Iowa. She died in April 2008.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the American Heart Association, Kirkwood Foundation, Westminster Presbyterian Church, 12th Armored Division Memorial Museum Foundation or an organization of your choice.

Please leave a message, tribute, or memory to Wendel's family on the webpage, under Obituaries.