Obituary

Duane L. “Speed” Wendelin, 72, of Lincoln, passed away February 21, 2011. Duane was born in Martell, Nebraska, on May 13, 1938, to Irvin “Pete” and Mabel (Beck) Wendelin. He graduated in 1956 from Sprague-Martell High School, and after graduation, worked at Gooch Mill in Lincoln. In 1959, he enlisted in the U.S. Army and served 3 years overseas working in the finance department. Duane married Ruth Gobber in June of 1965. In 1970, Speed enrolled in night classes at Electronic Computer Programming Institute and graduated at the top of his class. He was hired on at Goodyear a year later where he worked for 30 years until his retirement in 2000. After retirement, Speed enjoyed working as a tour guide and event staff member at the University of Nebraska. Speed loved his country and was a proud Husker fan. He was a member of Evangelical United Lutheran Church and American Legion Post #500. His favorite role was that of a grandfather to his four grandchildren.
Duane is survived by his wife, Ruth; daughter, Janelle, and son-in-law, Aaron Comer of Omaha; son, Dana, and daughter-in-law, Kristine of Lincoln; grandchildren, Kaitlyn Eastman, Jenna Wendelin, Kylee Comer, and Luke Wendelin; sisters, Arlayne (Don) Barmore of South Dakota; Cheryl Kay Wendelin of Lincoln; brothers, Tommy (Karla) Wendelin of Hickman, and Jerry (Gina) Wendelin of Gretna; aunts, Evelyn Hoy of Roca; Marie Beck of Sprague; uncle, Don Beck of Indiana; plus many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents and granddaughter, Sammi Wendelin.
Memorials in lieu of flowers to the TeamMates mentor program at www.teammates.org, or to a youth charity of donor’s choice.
Celebration of life will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, February 26, at Capitol City Christian Church, 7800 Holdrege St., Lincoln.

Burial at Lincoln Memorial Cemetery. Visitation beginning at noon on Friday at Lincoln Memorial Funeral Home, 6800 S. 14th Street, with family receiving guests from 5:30-7:30 p.m.