Wendy Lynn Will

Wendy Lynn Will, 67, beloved mother and friend, peacefully slipped away from this world in the early morning of July 22nd. surrounded by family and listening to John Denver. A Celebration of her Life will be held August 13th at Noon at The Sons of Norway Lodge, 200 Parkway Ave S, Lanesboro. MN. All are welcome. Wendy will be laid to rest in a family plot at The Nelson Cemetery, WI.

Born June 15th, 1955 to Richard and Anna Mae (Andrews) Will, she grew up in Holmen, WI, alongside her cousin, Kurt Hansen. She was a life-long lover of music and was always humming a tune of one kind or another. From her high school choir, to lifting her voice in church, to performing with the Holmen and Rushford Community theaters, she found peace and pleasure in expressing herself through her voice.

Wendy worked as an activity’s director at several nursing homes in the tri-state area during her career and later attended the University of Wisconsin-LaCrosse double majored in Philosophy and Women’s Studies. Deeply curious, contemplative and compassionate, she loved learning about philosophy, religion, history and poetry.

Always in pursuit of creating the perfect home, Wendy had a knack for interior design. Whether it was through wallpapering or baking cookies, her heart and her door were always open for anyone. She final settled in Lanesboro which she referred to as “My perfect little town.” She loved animals and consistently had a cat (or two or three) keeping her company. She enjoyed antiquing, being in nature, birding, creative writing and most of all, time spent with her family and friends.

Wendy is survived by her children: Jennifer, Andrew (Heather), Alexander and Gabrielle (Bert); and grandson Max. She was preceded in death by her parents and her son, Ethan.

Her family would like to extend heartfelt gratitude to the staff at Traditions of Preston and to the staff of the Mayo Clinic Hospice program for their respectful, kind and generous care and to Ed Burrell, Deb Welander and Ferne Brewster for being steadfast and everlasting friends.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the New Horizon’s Shelter and Resource Center in Wendy’s name. www.nhagainstabuse.org

Riley Funeral & Cremation Service is assisting the family with arrangements.  Online condolences are welcome at rileyfuneralhomes.com