John Wendt

John lived his life leaving no trace during his soul-filling hikes, but he indelibly left lasting imprints on all the hearts who knew him. Born in Detroit, he embodied the city's tenacious spirit -- never letting go of a passion, and forever pushing himself to learn more, experiencing all he could in every moment awarded to him.

While living in Clawson, John discovered his complete adoration for being outside and fishing, and that passion never left him. While the outdoors was where he found his peace, his love for competition and excellence earned him HS Varsity letters in wrestling, football, and track and field. He experienced the art of being an inspiring leader early in his life by being named captain of the football team. He not only led, but he also excelled. He held the varsity record for discus and pushed himself to be named All State 1st Team in Discus.

This spirit of hard work and determination followed him to the University of Michigan where he earned his bachelor's degree in Organic Chemistry. While studying and accepting only his best as the only option for his work in classes, he walked onto the UofM track team and earned a Varsity letter for Discus and Shot Put.

John did not stop there. His accomplishments were only beginning. He earned his PhD in Organic Chemistry from Wayne State University under Robert D Bach, and published his dissertation on the Synthesis of Fredericamycin A.

While earning his PhD, he enjoyed playing Rugby with The Detroit Rugby Club as a Prop. John learned early of the importance of balance in life. He worked hard, but he played in a way that invigorated and awoke his heart to all that truly matters in this life.

He completed his Post Doctoral work at the University of Kansas in Medicinal and Pharmaceutical Chemistry under Jeffery Aube.

With all that extensive training, John spent many years in the lab working in drug discovery. He solidified countless forever friendships while continuing this important work. More recently, he began working in Regulatory Affairs with twenty years at Pfizer. It was always fascinating to hear about what John was working on. His passion for what he did automatically transferred to any listener. Asking clarifying questions spurred him on towards his natural teaching persona, and the listener always walked away knowing more, and feeling inspired to also follow a path that lit them up with the same John-like desire to tell others about what they did. John loved propelling others towards a larger purpose.

John's favorite role as a teacher was being a father. He was blessed with two boys, Trevor and Andrew Wendt. The years of adventures and laughs were always treasured.

His boys inspired him to become Cub Master, and while there, he met the love of his life, Marianne. They had an uncanny ability to know when to don their Chuck Taylor's, and when to lace up those hiking boots and leave the city behind. Their common love for scouting and the outdoors led to countless adventures that took their breath away.

Meeting Marianne brought her children into John's life and heart. James and Isobelle Mick bonded with their stepdad and loved witnessing the joy he brought into their lives.

John continued volunteering through Scouts and eventually became Scoutmaster. There he thrived at the opportunity to bring up the next generation of outdoorsmen. The lessons and the love of nature are things none of his scouts will forget. His molding of what it means to be a steward of this planet holds strong in every young man John worked with.

Beyond scouting, John enjoyed road trips taken with his extended family seeing all 48 continental states.

Being a foodie, John made it a mission to find local foods that danced with flavors, all while hunting for state tripoints with Marianne, and literally standing in multiple places at once. John loved being everywhere, soaking in each experience completely.

His love for flavorful food made cooking for friends a delight. Food and the companionship served as his perfect pairing.

Not only did he love cooking for friends, but he loved doing it for causes that meant a lot to him. He was often found flipping burgers for the band boosters at football games. Where there was food and riveting conversation, there was John.

John most recently became an assistant coach for track within the events of shot put and discus. With his background and passion for teaching, this was a joy-filled opportunity for him.

At the very end during hospice care, John treasured conversations with those he loved most. He exited this life while recalling countless memories, listening to the best songs, laughing, crying, and feeling every moment to the core. John reveled in every second he was given on this planet, celebrating this gift of life up until the very end. To all of those he left behind, live with that same John-like enthusiasm to grow, love, persevere, and never give up on what matters most.

John Wendt, age 60, died on October 20, 2025. He was born on February 7, 1965, in Detroit, MI to Richard and Donna (Stanton) Wendt. John was preceded in death by his parents.

Surviving are his wife, Marianne; children: Trevor (Amanda), James, Andrew, and Izzy; siblings: Dr. Terri Richards, Dr. Beth Wendt, and Richard (Amy) Wendt. Many nieces and nephews, and one grandniece.

Please join us at a Life Story Service on Wednesday October 29, 2025, at 4 PM at Betzler Life Story Funeral Homes, 6080 Stadium Drive, Kalamazoo (269) 375-2900. A reception will follow in the Life Story center where food, drinks, and stories will be shared.

Celebrate John’s life online by sharing your favorite stories and photos on his dedicated webpage at BetzlerLifeStory.com. Memorial contributions may be made to The Children’s Tumor Foundation or Trout Unlimited.