Wendell Lee Howe, born August 31, 1939, in rural Good Hope, Illinois, passed away peacefully to join his family in Heaven on Saturday May 24, 2025.
He was the beloved son of Alden and Genevieve Howe and the youngest of three brothers. He was preceded in death by his brothers, Robert Eugene “Gene” Howe and Otis Delano Howe; two nephews, James and Michael Howe; and a greatnephew, Steven Howe. Wendell is survived by his devoted wife, Dottie Howe, of Fort Myers, Florida.
Wendell and Dottie lovingly raised Dottie’s younger sister, Ruth Ann (Dodson) Wick, of Temecula, CA, as a daughter. She survives him, along with nieces and nephews: Amy (Terry) Hatfield, and their daughters, Cathrine and Sophia Lynn; Brian Dodson—all of Houston, TX; Cindy (Howe) Soule of Blandinsville; and Russell (Mary) Howe of Good Hope, numerous great-nieces and nephews, great-great-nieces and nephews, and cousins. Among them, he remained especially close to cousin Melodie Swartzbaugh and her mother Brenda, of Las Vegas.
Wendell proudly served in the United States Army, stationed in Germany for two years. While there, he traveled extensively throughout Europe, visiting cities such as London, Paris, and Rome—experiences he remembered fondly.
A skilled tradesman, Wendell worked as a plumber for many years. He began his career in Macomb, Illinois, and later spent 30 years serving at Western Illinois University before retiring. In retirement, he fully embraced his love of the outdoors— gardening, hunting, fishing, and camping across the United States and Canada with Dottie.
In 2002, after Dottie retired, the couple became “snowbirds,” spending winters in Fort Myers and summers visiting family in Pennsylvania and beyond. Wendell especially enjoyed growing his large garden, generously sharing tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, and fruit from his trees with friends and neighbors.
In 2019, Wendell and Dottie made a full-time move to Florida, purchasing a home where they loved welcoming family and friends. He continued pursuing his hobbies, including collecting arrowheads, crafting turquoise jewelry and knives, and, of course, enjoying the Florida sunshine.
Wendell was a proud 50-year member of the Masons and the Order of the Eastern Star, as well as a lifelong member of the American Legion. His passion for hunting and fishing never waned, and he will be remembered for his generosity, love of family, and zest for life.
Graveside Services will be held at 1:00 PM Monday June 2, 2025 at the Bushnell Township Cemetery with Pastor Dan Lybarger officiating. A celebration of Life will be held at the Bushnell VFW immediately following Graveside Service. In lieu of flowers memorials can be made to the Bushnell VFW Post #1422. Martin-Hollis Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Please sign the guestbook and leave condolences at www.martinhollisfh.com.
