Wendell Boyd Bearss was born February 15, 1930 in Mexico, IN to George and Merceda Boyd Bearss. He moved to Rochester, IN in 1939, where he farmed & lived out the remainder of his days.
He began his life as a farmer driving a team of horses alongside his father when he was just a boy, and worked the land until the age of 75.
In 1951, he married Nancy Long Bearss and together they had 6 children.
Patricia Nicholson (Bill Nicholson) - Rochester, In, Susan Martin (Ricky Martin) - Austin, TX, Thomas Bearss - Rochester, IN, Daniel Bearss (Peggy) - Wakarusa, IN, Jane Fesenmeier (Jim) - Indianapolis, IN, and Judith Bearss - Rochester, IN.
Wendell and Nancy eventually went separate ways - but their family together grew to include 10 grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren.
In July of 1978 he committed his life to loving Maxine Morris and gained 3 step-children,
Deborah Morris - Rochester, IN, Christopher Morris (Janine) - Kalamazoo, MI, and William Morris (Susan) - Rochester, IN. During their marriage, 4 more grandchildren arrived & their combined families built wonderful memories together at their home on Lake Manitou.
He loved his family dearly - and they loved him.
In addition to being a farmer, husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, Wendell actively served God, Country, & Community.
He willingly enlisted in the U.S. Army and served as a radio operator & technician in the Korean War from 1951-1953.
He led his community by serving on both the School Board & the Fair Board.
He engaged in service & friendship as an active member of the Elks Lodge.
He served the Lord & was beloved at both the Presbyterian and Baptist Church - and he lived out the definition of what Good Neighbors should be.
Wendell loved traveling the world with Maxine & together they walked the Great Wall of China, Cruised the Nile & the Panama Canal, drank a little vodka with the KGB in Russia, and explored South America, in addition to traveling all over the United States. Many of those trips were with their dearest friends, Don and Mary Brun.
In addition to traveling, he enjoyed reading, pontoon rides on the lake, bird watching, working the farm with his son, Tom & grandson, Adam, telling really ridiculous jokes, and spending time with his family.
After Maxine’s passing, Wendell lived his last years at Wynnfield Crossing - where the staff, his hospice team, caregivers, and children compassionately ensured that he was cared for.
He was preceded in death, but is now reunited with his parents - George and Merceda, his uncle - Gresham Bearss, his brother - Bud, and sisters - Francis and Janis, and his beloved wife - Maxine.
Wendell passed peacefully in his sleep in the morning hours of May 18, 2022 to enter the eternal presence of the The Lord.
He will always be missed.
Funeral services will be conducted at 10:00 A.M. Saturday, May 28, 2022 at the First Baptist Church, Rochester, Indiana. Friends may visit from 4:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M. Friday at Zimmerman Bros. Funeral Home, Rochester, Indiana and one hour prior to service Saturday at the church. Burial will be in the Odd Fellows Cemetery, Rochester, Indiana. Memorial contributions may be made to the First Baptist Church, American Cancer Society, or the Fulton County Fair Board. Online condolences may be expressed at www.zimmermanbrosfh.com
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