James George Wendel, age 72, of Stanwood, Iowa, died December 10, 2009, at his home. James was born September 20, 1937, on a farm in Union County South Dakota to Emil Wendel and Ida Lindner. Funeral services will be held at 10:30 am on Monday, December 14, 2009, at Stanwood Union Church, with Pastor Phil Leipold officiating. Burial will follow at Woodward Cemetery, Woodward, Iowa. Visitation will be held from 3:00-7:00 pm on Sunday, December 13, at Chapman Funeral Home in Clarence. Jim grew up outside of Moville,Iowa. While attending Yankton College in Yankton, South Dakota, he met Marilyn Van Epps. They married June 9, 1963, at Yankton. Jim was a longtime teacher and coach at Lincoln Community and North Cedar Schools. He enjoyed spending time with family and friends as well as hunting and fishing. He is survived by his wife Marilyn; daughters Sheryl (Doug) Kardell of Grimes, and Sheila (Michael) Woollard of Granger; a son Jeff (Michelle) Wendel of Ankeny; 4 grandchildren-Kylie and Dalton Kardell and Katelyn and Emma Wendel; sisters Katherine Henshaw of Sioux City, Dolores Benedix of Moville, Iowa, and Jo-Ann (Joe Ray) Leach of Bossier City, La; and his brother Ray (Carol) Wendel of Granger. James was preceded in death by his parents, brother Emil and nephew Todd Wendel.