Wendall Wayne Abkes, 93

On January 10, 1954, Wendall was united in marriage with Joan Schoeneman. Shortly after their marriage, Wendall joined the army and they lived throughout the United States including 5 months spent in Germany. Wendall was honorably discharged in February 1956 from Army AMEDS. He graduated from Iowa State University in 1958 with a bachelor's degree in Agricultural Business. Upon completion of college, they made their home at the Schoeneman Family Farm in Parkersburg (present day Abkes Acres). 

In 1960, Wendall started City Sanitary Service in Parkersburg, Iowa, a business that he was involved in until its sale in 2024. Wendall did a lot for the Parkersburg community. His favorite stories involved his years with the Lion’s Club when they brought the circus to Parkersburg and he rode in on an elephant at the beginning of the show. As a Lion’s Club member, he was presented with the Melvin Jones Award, which is the highest award Lions International gives to honor outstanding service by individuals. He led a group of youth volunteers to repaint the depot building at Depot Park, a place he hoped to preserve. He served as a deacon and elder for church. Most recently a member of Hope Reformed Church in Parkersburg where he could be counted on for a loud AMEN if Pastor Nate had a particularly great message. He was on the board of the Allan and Fayette Meyer Trust and led a life of service and generosity. 

Wendall had 46 years with Joan until her passing from complications with Multiple Sclerosis in January of 2000. Wendall lovingly took care of Joan during her illness and could be counted on for stories of their life together such as the time they got to stay in Hitler’s Eagles Nest for R&R when he was stationed in Germany. 

Wendall always said he got lucky twice. In October 2017, he married Nancy Stewart. A union that brought much joy to Wendall’s life. 

Wendall was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Joan, daughter-in-law, Fran Abkes; grandson Nathan Abkes, his sisters; Dorene and Jolene, Joan’s sisters; Aurene, Ruth, and Adele, Joan’s brother Eldon, and many cherished friends. 

Wendall is survived by: his wife, Nancy Abkes of Parkersburg and her children Bill (Cindy) Stewart of Oelwein and Amanda Stewart of Parkersburg; his daughter Lisa Fredrickson and her husband Paul of Gig Harbor, Washington and their children Cooper and Quinn; son, David Abkes and his wife Becky of Parkersburg and David’s children: Samantha (Chad), Lisa, and Jonathan; son, John Abkes and his wife Julie of Omaha, NE and their children Jennifer (Nathan) and Luke (Kjirsten); a niece, Lori Arwine, two nephews, Scott Coulter and Troy Junker; and 7 great-grandchildren, Adelyn (tiger), Harper, Halle, Eva, Casey, Annabelle and Stella. 

Wendall was a man of deep faith in his Lord and Savior, thanking God for his many blessings, especially His gift of the Holy Spirit. A statement he would share often. He was a bit of a rascal, crawling on his hands and knees to play with his great grandchildren well into his 80’s and retelling a (mostly) clean joke to a captive audience. His spirited personality and infectious laugh made him a fun person to be around. Wendall always knew the price of scrap and piles would collect until he felt the prices were right, which could take years. The phrase one man’s junk is another man’s treasure directly applied to Wendall, as he was not one to easily throw something away. He loved northern Minnesota, relaxing at the pond with a Rolling Rock and watching sports, especially the Iowa State Cyclones and the Green Bay Packers. 

We will miss his enormous heart; his love and pride for his family was evident, and we take comfort in the reunion he had in Heaven with so many beloved family and friends. 

The family wishes to thank UnityPoint Hospice for their excellent care of Wendall this past year during his illness. 

The visitation and funeral will both be held at Hope Reformed Church, 611 4th Street, Parkersburg. The visitation will be on February 9, 2026, from 5 to 7 PM and one hour prior to the funeral. The funeral will be on February 10, 2026, at 11:30 AM. Following the funeral, the family invites the attendees to a luncheon in the basement of Hope Reformed Church. 

Memorials may be directed to the family who will be making donations to Wendall’s favorite causes.