Ronald Jene Wendt

Ronald Jene Wendt, age 87, of Menlo Park, California passed away on February 16, 2026 after fighting Cancer for three months. He was born in Herrington, Kansas on March 2, 1938, where he lived with his parents and two brothers on a chicken farm.

Ron is survived by his wife, Elsie Floriani and her three children, Christina, Daniele and Michele, sons Rick Wendt and his wife Patty Wendt, their daughter Nicole Brackett and her husband Michael Brackett, and two great grandchildren, Calladay and Clementine, Randy Wendt and his wife Vicki Wendt, and her daughter Amber.

Ron was known for his kindness to others and wit. He loved to make people laugh. Always up for a fishing trip or a gathering of friends and family at his home. Ron always offered a glass of wine to his guests as he was somewhat of a wine lover. I believe it stems from his employment at White Oak Winery in the Sonoma Valley. Ron started his career working as a IRS agent. Not a very glamorous job as he was stationed at the Santa Anita Racetrack in Los Angeles and handed the winners a form to pay your taxes. Not a very well liked man at that time. Next, he was part of the Good Hands organization, Allstate. As an Insurance salesman he grew to have many friends in the Southern California area. After moving to Oregon Ron opened a string of Employment agencies. These were know as Richards and Richards Employment Agency and had two offices in the Portland, Oregon area with another branch in Salem, Oregon. After this he landed a position for Fellowes Manufacturing where he met his longtime friend and fishing partner Pat O’Connor. He went fishing every year with Pat, Pat’s son Sean, and his son Rick for 20 plus years. Every year they would meet in the Sierra Nevada Mountains in search of the elusive Rainbow Trout. Randy, Rick’s brother even made the trip one year. He was employed several years for this organization and rose through the ranks. Ron loved to cook. He loved it so much that he opened a deli, Appitezers, in Waco, Texas with his son and friend Kevin Scheller. He retired in Menlo Park, California after marrying his high school sweetheart, Elsie Floriani, on August 8, 2008 where they lived happily for over 18 years. Ron worked with Elsie at her magazine Gentry for many years until they retired. Ron was a huge San Francisco 49’ers fan and rarely missed a game.

Ron’s wishes are for people to remember the good times, smiles, and friendships that were made along his lifetime.

His final wishes are that in lieu of a celebration of life, or memorial service people can help others by donating to a charity of your choice.