Billie M. Wendlandt

Billie M Wendlandt passed away Tuesday January 24, 2023, after a short battle with lymphoma. She was currently living in Woodruff but had previously lived in Minocqua, Winchester and Manitowish Waters as well as winters in Deming, New Mexico. Billie was born December 19, 1950, to Charles and Viola Quade Burris in Markesan, Wisconsin and grew up mostly in the Markesan area. She met Robert “Bob” Wendlandt when they both worked for the local telephone company in Markesan and married July 28, 1950. They celebrated 69 years of marriage before Bob passed away in 2019. Bob’s telephone company job kept them moving often for the first years of their marriage and they first moved to the Northwoods of Wisconsin in 1962 and came to stay finally in 1968. Once they settled in the Northwoods to stay Billie began her career at the US Postal Service in Manitowish Waters, eventually serving as postmaster of Presque Isle until her retirement. Always an avid reader she liked nothing better than a quiet meal eaten while reading a novel. Her two sons, Larry and Douglas made sure those quiet meals could only happen on school days! She still had a collection of books by favorite authors and looked forward to trips to the thrift shop for a new selection of books. And she kept up with technology including reading books on her Kindle. She also loved music. Home almost always included an organ or electric piano. She filled in as an organist in various churches, and loved singing with the “Pine Tones” as they entertained at local events and venues. She was still playing for her new friends at Milestone Assisted Living on her portable keyboard. In retirement she learned to play bridge at the clubhouse in the development where she and Bob wintered in Deming. She continue to play bridge until the end and missed her bridge friends the last few weeks when she was no longer able to play. Billie is survived by her sons Larry of Arbor Vitae and Doug (Sue) of Arbor Vitae and Marshfield. She is further survived by Doug’s children Charles (Jill) of Marshfield, Scott (Allie) of Green Bay and their twin sons Andrew and Henry, and Katie (Alex Radtke) of Kronenwetter and their children Emilia and Johnathon. She is also survived by brother Robert (Tina), sister Marge and sister-in-law Joanne as well as numerous nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her husband Bob, parents, brothers John and Roger and half siblings Lowell and Christine. A special thank you to the staff at Milestone Assisted Living. Billie loved the people she met during the time she lived at Milestone. The staff and residents became instant friends and family. Also thanks to Aspirus Home Hospice that allowed her to stay at Milestone until the end. There will be no services at this time. There will be a private interment later for family only. In lieu of flowers please make a contribution to your favorite charity in memory of Billie.

Billie M. Wendlandt

December 19, 1930 - January 24, 2023