Wendt Funeral Home

04/23/2026

When it comes to planning for the future, most people focus on retirement, investments, and family—but often overlook one of the most meaningful decisions they can make: pre-planning their final arrangements.
This article highlights something we see every day—families are often left making dozens of emotional and financial decisions during one of the most difficult moments of their lives. Pre-planning removes that burden, ensuring your wishes are honored while giving your loved ones clarity and peace of mind.
At Wendt Funeral Home, we believe planning ahead isn’t about preparing for the end—it’s about protecting your family and preserving your story.
✔ Eliminate guesswork for your loved ones
✔ Lock in today’s costs and avoid future inflation
✔ Ensure your life is remembered exactly how you want
It’s one of the most thoughtful and selfless decisions you can make.
👉 Read more: https://bit.ly/48c4psM
If you’ve ever considered pre-planning, we’re here to guide you—compassionately, transparently, and on your terms.

There’s an old belief about death that’s often attributed to the ancient Egyptians and was later brought into the mainstream by Banksy: We all die twice.

04/23/2026

Staying active improves strength, balance, energy, and overall health as you age 💪🌿. Discover exercise and fitness tips designed to support mobility, reduce fall risk, and enhance wellness throughout life.

Follow the link to learn more.

No matter your age or your current physical condition, these tips can show you simple, enjoyable ways to become more active and improve your health and outlook.

04/21/2026

When you need compassionate end-of-life support, Wendt Funeral Home is here to help 🤍 We offer personalized funeral services, burial and cremation options, and caring guidance to honor your loved one with dignity.

Contact us to learn how we can support your family.

Explore cremation, funeral, and pre-planning services in Moline, IL. Wendt Funeral Home offers compassionate care and affordable options for every family.

04/20/2026

George O. Wendt, C.L.U.

George Oscar Wendt, C.L.U., was born August 18, 1940, the third of five sons of Earl L. and Helen L. McClean Wendt. He was preceded in death by his mother and father and three brothers, Earl III, Bill, and Mike. He is survived by one brother, Patrick. George graduated from Moline Senior High School in 1958 and from the University of Iowa with a BBA in Marketing in 1962. He was a member of the Delta Upsilon fraternity. In 1962, he became a Life Insurance Agent with New York Life and then a General Agent for Indianapolis Life and Occidental Life, earning the C.L.U. designation in1967. In 1985, he became a Safety Inspector for the Illinois Department of Labor until his retirement.

He married Martha Jean (Jeanie) Hamilton on September 8, 1962. Their children are George "Greg" Oscar, Jr. (Kelly), David Hamilton (Irina), Martha Jean (Mike Mosley), Helen Louise (Al Rodis), and McClean Clark (Yvonne). They have eleven grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.

During his time in Moline, he served actively in the First Congregational Church, the Uptown Business Association, Rock Island County Life Underwriters, Quad City Estate Planning Council, Rotary, Optimist, and the Rock Island County Republican Party. In Bloomington, he served on the Republican Party Executive Board, the McLean County Old Barn Society, the McLean County Board, the Unit Five Advisory Council, and the Second Presbyterian Church.

George’s hobby from the age of eleven until his death was politics. The high point of his involvement was meeting President Ronald Reagan and having a photograph taken of Reagan holding his two-month-old son, McClean. He enjoyed running campaigns. In 2010, he became a member of the McLean County Board and served for fourteen years. Other hobbies included woodworking. He remodeled all the rooms in their home in Bloomington, including moving walls, as well as the carpentry, plumbing, and electrical work. He turned a corn crib into a woodshop and a clubhouse. He built the cabinets throughout the house using existing and new materials. After the house was finished, he made a scale model of the house.

His very happy childhood led to a happy family and a productive life. The happiest years of his life were the last thirty years on their 5-acre farmstead in Bloomington, with horses and other animals that his grandchildren and many others, young and old, could enjoy. He finished the story of his life this year in his book, George’s Life. “It’s a great feeling to have such a beautiful place to end our lives.” – George Wendt, 2026.

A funeral service will be held at 11 am on Saturday, May 2, 2026, at Second Presbyterian Church, 404 North Prairie Street, Bloomington, IL, with a visitation from 9 am to 11 am, prior to the service. A luncheon at the church will follow the service. Burial will take place at Blooming Grove Cemetery (aka Orendorff Memorial Cemetery), 1540 East Rd., Bloomington, IL, following the luncheon.

Memorials may be made to St. Jude Children's Hospital or the Second Presbyterian Church Heritage Fund, 414 N. Prairie St., Bloomington, IL 61701.

Family and friends are invited to share memories and express condolences on his Tribute Page at www.wendtfuneralhome.com.

View George O. Wendt, C.L.U.'s obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

04/16/2026

How we face our own mortality shapes how we live, love, and make meaning every day. When we stop running from the reality of death, we often discover a deeper courage to live fully, with clearer priorities and greater compassion for others.

We’re sharing an insightful article, “The Courage to Face Death, and Live Fully,” which reflects on wisdom from Socrates, Scripture, and other timeless stories to explore how accepting death can actually enrich life.

If you or someone you love is walking through loss—or simply reflecting on what matters most, we invite you to take a few quiet moments to read it:
https://bit.ly/4sCGZDW

At Wendt Funeral Home, we are here to walk alongside families in both practical planning and the deeper, emotional side of grief and remembrance.

04/16/2026

Boost strength, flexibility, balance, and overall vitality in your 50s and 60s with enjoyable fitness activities like walking, swimming, strength training, and yoga 🏃‍♀️💪. These lifestyle workouts support heart health, energy levels, and long-term well-being as you age. Follow the link to learn more.

In your 50s, 60s, or even 70s, it’s not too late to prioritize your health and put yourself first. These types of exercise will help you move in a way that makes you want to move more for years to come.

04/15/2026

Della Findlay

Della Findlay passed away peacefully on April 14, 2026, at Suncrest - Churchill Place Memory Care in Glen Ellyn, Illinois. Born on June 17, 1936, in Moline, Illinois, Della lived a life marked by kindness, dedication, and an enduring commitment to those around her.

A graduate of Moline High School in 1954, Della continued her education at Black Hawk College, earning an Associate's Degree. She devoted much of her professional life to Black Hawk College, where she served with distinction as an administrator. Prior to this role, she was passionately engaged as a career counselor, conducting career testing and using her skills to help countless individuals find their paths. Her professional contributions were underscored by her unwavering belief in people's potential; she always saw the good in others and valued their unique personalities and skills.

Della was known not only for her career achievements but also for her warm and caring nature. Those who knew her recall her as a woman who never discounted anyone’s abilities and consistently lifted others up through her kindness and encouragement. At family gatherings and reunions, she was beloved for her culinary talents, especially her deviled eggs, cole slaw, and pickled beets, recipes that were as cherished as the company she kept.

Her interests stretched beyond her professional life. She delighted in doing puzzles, bird watching, and gardening, nurturing a large and impressive rose garden that reflected her patient and loving spirit.

Della was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Clifford Findlay; her parents, John and Elma (Riley) Rich; and a sister, MaryCarol Wright. She is survived by her daughter, Mari (David) Minor of Itasca, Illinois; her son, Mike (Anne) Findlay of New Berlin, Wisconsin; grandchildren Ashley Minor, Eric Minor, Michael (Katie) Findlay, and Kelly (Reed) Hogan; and great-grandchildren, Sophie Rae Findlay, Elena Grace Findlay, Lottie Clifford Hogan, and Kit McKeon Hogan. She also leaves behind her sisters, Sandy Palos and Ruth (Edward) Smith, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

A visitation will be held on Monday, April 20, 2026, from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM at Hope United Church of Christ, 3324 41st Street, Moline, Illinois 61265. The funeral service will follow at 1:00 PM, at the same location. Della's funeral service will be livestreamed on Hope United Church of Christ's page. To view, please use the following link: https://www.facebook.com/hopeuccmoline. A graveside service will take place thereafter at Rock Island National Cemetery.

Della’s family invites those whose lives she touched to join in honoring her memory. Her gentle spirit, her generosity, and her unwavering faith in the goodness of people will remain with all who were privileged to know her.

Memorials in her name may be made to the Hope United Church of Christ, Moline, or the Dementia Society, reflecting causes dear to her heart.

Della Findlay’s legacy is one of compassion, strength, and quiet grace—a legacy that will continue to bloom in the hearts of her family and friends for years to come.

Family and friends are invited to share memories and condolences on her tribute page at www.wendtfuneralhome.com.

View Della Findlay's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

04/14/2026

A meaningful ash scattering ceremony can offer comfort, beauty, and a lasting tribute to your loved one’s life 🌿🤍. Wendt Funeral Home provides thoughtful guidance and inspiring ash scattering ideas to help families create a peaceful and personal memorial experience.

Contact us to learn more about ash scattering options and support during your planning.

Providing personalized ash scattering services in Moline, IL. Compassionate and professional care at Wendt Funeral Home.

04/09/2026

Strength training builds more than muscle as you age 🏋️‍♀️💪. Weightlifting supports bone density, balance, metabolism, and overall functional fitness, helping you stay strong, active, and independent longer.

Follow the link to learn more.

Experts say this workout is a nonnegotiable as we age.

04/07/2026

Personalized tributes help celebrate a life in a way that truly reflects who they were 🕊️💐 Wendt Funeral Home offers meaningful personalization options, from custom service elements to unique memorial details that honor your loved one’s story and legacy.

Contact us to learn how we can help create a heartfelt tribute that feels just right.

Personalize a meaningful tribute for your loved one at our funeral home in Moline, IL. From memorials to caskets, we offer a wide range of options.

04/02/2026

Caring for aging loved ones at home can support safety, comfort, independence, and quality of life 🏡💛. Discover how professional home care services for seniors can assist with daily living tasks, personal care, medication reminders, and compassionate companionship.

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Learn about home care services for seniors that can help you age in place, maintain your independence, and stay at home for as long as possible.

04/01/2026

Viva "Sami" Long

Viva Long, also known as “Sami”, a woman whose life radiated resilience, cheerfulness, and an enduring sense of calm, passed away peacefully on March 31, 2026, at Charter Senior Living of Moline in Moline, Illinois. Born on October 11, 1941, in Kansas City, Missouri, Viva’s journey was marked by an unwavering devotion to her family, community, and faith.

Sami’s career was distinguished by dedication and leadership. She served as the deli manager first at Turnstyle and then at Cub Foods, where her warmth and diligence touched the lives of many. Her commitment extended beyond her professional endeavors into her spiritual life as a faithful member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, where she embraced a vital role as a homemaking leader. Her influence was felt keenly not only within her family but also among the children she lovingly taught in Sunday School, always sharing her infectious joy and kindness.

An artist at heart, Viva expressed herself through various creative outlets. She was a talented seamstress, known for crafting with care and skill. Cooking was another of her passions, an art through which she brought comfort and happiness to those around her. Her love of music was evident in her joy of playing the piano, and her gentle spirit extended to all creatures, reflecting her affection for animals. These hobbies were not just pastimes but expressions of her generous and nurturing soul.

Sami’s personal life was a testament to unconditional love. She cherished her husband, Albert “Bud” Long, to whom she was devoted until the very end. Their marriage, begun on October 2, 1966, was a foundation of steadfast partnership and deep affection. Together, they raised daughters Debbie DuBe’ and Jill (Sam) Stawicki, as well as Vernon Lawton and Steve Long. Her legacy continues through her beloved grandchildren and great-grandchildren, all of whom adored her tender care and warm presence.

Her family roots trace back to her loving parents, Ernest and Iris (Whipple) Davis, who preceded her in death, as well as her beloved son, Mike Long. Though separated by loss, the memories and love they shared remain forever woven into the fabric of her life.

Sami’s passing leaves a profound void in the hearts of all who knew her. She was delightful in every way, whether with family, the children who learned from her, or strangers touched by her kindness. The steadfast spirit she carried, full of joy and grace, stands as a beacon of comfort and inspiration.

Services to honor Sami Long’s remarkable life will take place at Wendt Funeral Home, 1811 15th Street Place, Moline, Illinois 61265. The visitation will be held on April 6, 2026, from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m., followed by the funeral service from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Immediately thereafter, a burial will be conducted at Rock Island Memorial Park Cemetery and Mausoleum, located at 4205 30th Street, Rock Island, Illinois 61201, beginning at 12:30 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Quad City Animal Welfare Center, Milan, IL.

As we gather to remember Sami, we celebrate a life beautifully lived, a life marked by resilience, kindness, creativity, and an enduring, unconditional love for those dear to her. Her legacy will forever resonate in the hearts she touched and the lives she enriched.

Family and friends are invited to share memories and condolences on her tribute page at www.wendtfuneralhome.com.

View Viva Long's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.