Obituary of Allan Benrud Wendler

Allan Benrud Wendler (1930 – 2026)

Allan B. Wendler, 95, long-time resident of Iowa City, Iowa, died Sunday, March 1, 2026, surrounded by his loved ones in his home in Iowa City.

Al was born August 4, 1930, in Milwaukee, WI, the son of Arthur and Leda (Benrud) Wendler. He graduated from City High Highschool, the class of 1948. On March 19th, Al married his wife, Donna (Evans) Wendler, who passed away on May 30, 2020. During their life together, they raised their two sons, Ron and Michael Wendler. Al was an entrepreneur and investor who managed, among other things, the Karmelkorn stores in the Old Capital and Sycamore malls. He was a proud officer in the United States Army’s 28th Infantry Division, serving in the post-World War II occupation of Germany from 1951 to 1954, and a supporting member of the American Legion in Coralville, Iowa. He was a proud member of the Iowa City Optimist club, donating time and money to support youth and community activities, and he was perhaps the biggest fan of Iowa Hawkeye sports there's ever been.

He is survived by his family members, two sons, Ron and Michael Wendler, many grandchildren, Katie Wendler Long, Nicholas Wendler, Dakota Kessler Wendler, Chayton Wendler, Payton Wendler, and US Olympian, Landon Wendler, and one great-grandchild, Kaileah Long. He worked his whole life tirelessly to guide and support all of the family over many years and seasons of love and growth.

His funeral services and inurnment will be a private celebration of life with the family, overseen with full military honors provided by the American Legion Honor Guard in Memory Gardens Cemetery, handled by the care of Gay & Ciha Funeral and Cremation Service. To share a thought, memory, or condolences with the family, please visit the funeral home website @ www.gayandciha.com.