IL HR0919

Congratulates the Wendt Funeral Home, one of the oldest funeral homes in the United States, established in 1866.

Recognizes the business was founded by cabinetmaker J. Robert Earler from Germany who made wooden caskets for local farmers and opened a funeral parlor in Port Byron after the Civil War.

Notes the business passed to August H. Wendt in 1881, then to his sons Earl and Robert Wendt in 1920, who relocated it to a Queen Anne Victorian house in Moline.

Acknowledges Earl Wendt IV, the sixth generation owner and licensed funeral director since 1983, continues the family legacy based on values of compassion, professionalism, and attention to detail.

Wishes the Wendt Funeral Home many more years of successful operation and service to the community.