Thomas "Tom" Wendel

Thomas A. Wendel - It is with great sadness we announce the passing of Tom Wendel, age 58, of Cottage Grove after a brief battle with leukemia. He passed away September 18, 2024 with family by his side.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 1:00 pm on Saturday, October 12, 2024 at Kok Funeral Home (7676 80th St. S., Cottage Grove, MN 55016). Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service.

Tom was born December 20, 1965. He grew up in Inver Grove Heights, MN and graduated from Simley High School in 1984. He attended Brown Institute and worked for over 30 years in the business copier trade. Tom met his wife Tracy in 1988, they were married in 1992 and made Cottage Grove their home. Tom was most proud of his daughter Allison. She really was his twin in so many ways.

Tom is survived by his wife Tracy, daughter Allison (Billy); parents Lloyd & Janet, brother Jeff (Laurie); sister Jodi (Jim); the entire Kaup family; many nieces & nephews, aunts & uncles, and cousins.

Tom brought laughter to every place he went. His love and knowledge of music was a gift he shared with everyone.

The family would like to send a special thank you to all who provided wonderful care for Tom at Abbott Northwestern Hospital. Their compassion, kindness, skill, and dedication made the past several weeks a little more bearable.

In lieu of flowers, memorials preferred to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.