Thomas Wendt

 Thomas 'Whale' Wendt, 84

Our friend Whale is flying free.

Thomas Lytle Wendt was born to Otto Carl and Idamae Lytle Wendt on Jan. 6, 1939 in Harbor Beach, Michigan.

He passed away Aug. 16, 2023 at Heritage Place in Kalispell, Montana at

age 84.

Tom served his country in the United States Army following graduation from Croswell-Lexington High School. He also attended St.Clair County Community College.

He is survived by one son, Bret and two daughters, Tracy and Tiffany. two sisters, Margie Campbell of Lexington Michigan and Gwen Gadaire of Mooresboro, North Carolina, one brother, Terry (Pam) Hewitt of Bechtlesville, Pennsylvania and many nieces and nephews.

Tom was predeceased by two sisters, Donna and Diane.

He loved skydiving and is well known by his skydiving name, Whale. Whale made more than 3,400 jumps before an accident interfered with his passion. After recovering, Whale left Chicago and drove to the drop zone he treasured, Skydive Lost Prairie, Marion, Montana where his skydiver heart was happy on the ground.

Several years ago, when pneumonia threatened Whale's life, it was skydivers and neighbors who kept him going. When failing health called for him to have nursing care, Whale moved to Heritage Place. He met the challenge of a new lifestyle head-on and said, "I have everything I need right here."

Whale had a heart for others, was humorous, compassionate, respectful, and humble. He loved his family, and he loved his sky family.

Tom's ashes will be scattered over Skydive Lost Prairie by his skydive friends during a skydive dedicated to him