Jacob James Wendling, age 34 of Holland, peacefully passed away on Tuesday, August 4, 2020 at Spectrum Health Butterworth Hospital following a short battle with and complications from Chordoma. He faced his medical issues with a positive attitude, kindness and perseverance,the same way he approached his life. He bravely endured countless surgeries, scans and pokes as well as the loss of many abilities without complaint. The loss of Jacob is immense and will be felt forever by those who love him. We find comfort knowing that he is now fully healed, free of pain and that he is in heaven which is filled with peace, joy and praise.
Jacob was born on July 31, 1986 in Lansing, MI to Kevin and Jo Lynn (Spitzley) Wendling and he grew up in St. John’s, MI. He was preceded in death by his grandparents, James and Neoma Wendling, and Daniel and Carolyn Spitzley.
Jacob is survived by his wife Shyla Nash-Wendling; two children at home, Hazel (4) and Hendrix (1),and baby Wendling due in March; his parents Kevin and Jo Lynn Wendling; parents-in-law Robin Nash and Doug Nash; siblings Rob (Katie) Barrera, Levi (Leslie) Rost, and Casey (Lance) Rost-Danzy; in-laws Amanda Aho and Doug Haveman, Jacob Nash and Myra Baumeister, and Emma Rutgers; many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, and extended family and friends.
If you asked Jake what his biggest accomplishment was, he would quickly answer that it was his family. He was a wonderful, loving and supportive husband, who always had a joke ready as well as a supportive word. He was the best dad to Hazel and Hendrix and was so looking forward to the arrival of Baby Wendling. Jacob’s favorite part of the day was coming home from work, to play with the kids. He stepped seamlessly from one role to another, and found genuine joy playing with his children. He was a special kind of dad who showed up for the hard stuff and made childhood magical.
Jacob grew up in St. John’s, Mi and graduated from St. John’s highschool in 2004. From there he continued on to Central Michigan University where he received his bachelors degree in Spanish Language Education in 2010. He has worked at SPI Pharma for 8 years, working his way up from the line to his most recent position of Quality Assurance Supervisor.
Jacob will always be remembered for his love of character based and story telling video games such as Sea of Thieves, ARK and Red Dead Redemption. He so enjoyed the comardary of relaxing after the day was done with some cheap whiskey or a good IPA and video games with his friends. He passed his love of video games to Hazel and they spent many hours playing Mario 64 together.
Jake was a excellent cook and bartender or as we called him ‘Head Chef at Casa d’Wendling’ who loved to put new dishes together and make big breakfasts on the weekends.
Jacob was a genuinely kind man, who always made sure the people around him were happy and having a good time. He loved to make people laugh and had an amazing sense of humor. He could always find the silver lining and was positive even in the face of his diagnosis. No one will forgot his silly laugh and goofy smile!
We are asking that friends and family write their favorite memory or description of Jake in a card or note for each of his children to read in the future (please create one for each child). We will keep them sealed and in the children’s memory boxes for them to read in the future. Cards or notes may be sent to 14777 James St, Holland, Mi 49424.
Due to Covid-19 restrictions, a private gathering by invite only will take place Wednesday, August 12th at 2pm. We invite you to watch the services via Facebook live if you are not in attendance. The livestream will be on Lakeshore Memorial Services Facebook page. A future event will be planned for those unable to attend the memorial service in a way that Jake would want us to celebrate and remember his life.
Memorial contributions may be made to a educational fund set up for the Wendling children at any Fifth Third Bank, or to the Chordoma Foundation.
Please visit
www.lakeshorememorial.
com
to share a memory or message with the Wendling family.
