Wellendorf, James B.

James B. Wellendorf, 70, died Friday, July 30, 2010, at Gundersen Lutheran Medical Center following an injury sustained from a fall in his home. Jim was the first born to Bernard H. (Sonny) and Frances R. (Curtin) Wellendorf on Nov. 30, 1939. He graduated from Immaculate Conception High School in 1957. He served honorably for three years in the United States Army, returning to Lansing to follow in his father's and grandfather's footsteps as a baker. He married Patricia Mauss on May 22, 1965, at St. Joseph's Catholic Church in New Albin, Iowa. He was also employed at Feagel Construction and Interstate Power. He later became the owner and operator of the Model Bakery on Lansing's main street for 25 years. Before his retirement, Jim also taught at bakery school in Ottumwa, Iowa.

Jim belonged to VFW Post 5981, Nightcrawlers Forever and the Lansing Jaycee's. He served on the library board, as well as the school board of Eastern Allamakee and volunteered with the Fire Department, serving as fire chief for over 10 years. Jim was a lifelong member of Immaculate Conception parish where he sang in the choir and served as a lector and Eucharistic minister.

He is survived by his wife, Pat; two daughters, Sara (Jim) Ronan of Waukon, and Karen (Doug) Lyons of Northfield, Minn.; two sons, Michael of Lansing, and Jamie of Edgewood; two brothers, Dan of La Crosse, Wis., and Bob of Lansing; one sister, Janann (Jim) Anderson of Swisher; seven grandchildren, Brandon, Tyler and Jacob Ronan and Jacquelyn, Kristen, Lauren and Thomas Lyons; and multiple nieces and nephews.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents; one infant son; mother-in-law, Lucille Mauss; and brothers-in-law, David Mauss and Jim Benson.

“The Growler” loved to garden, bird watch, go for evening rides with Pat and spend time with his grandkids (always their biggest fan). He also loved hunting and fishing and especially enjoyed his yearly trips up North with his fishing buddies. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him for his humorous stories and his uncanny ability to remember dates and details of past events. Above all, his greatest enjoyment was time spent with his family. Jim was a man for justice and fought against injustice.

Wake services will be at the Thornburg-DeVries Funeral Home from 4 to 8 p.m. Tuesday. Funeral mass will be at 11 a.m. Wednesday at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Lansing.

Memorial donations in Jim's honor, may be made to Camp Courageous in Monticello, or the El Kahir Shrine Transportation Fund in Cedar Rapids.

Condolences may be sent to the family at