Wendell Jerome Burbank

August 20, 2017

Service Details

Wendell Jerome Burbank
Of Urbandale, Iowa

Wendell Burbank, age 87, passed away on Sunday, August 20, 2017 at his home surrounded by his loving family. He was born on August 10, 1930 in Des Moines, Iowa.

Wendell graduated from East High School in 1948 and graduated from Grandview College where he studied journalism, followed by 1 year at Drake University studying pharmacy. Wendell served in the National Guard from 1947-1956 as Staff Sargent. He worked for the Des Moines Register for 13 years as a sterotyper. Wendell worked for State Farm and had his own agency as an insurance salesman for 30+ years before retiring in 1993.

Wendell was a devoted member of Capitol Hill Lutheran Church since 1944. He belonged to the Masonic Lodge, Pride of Iowa Barbershop Chorus for 53 years, and Iowans Quartet for 25 years. Wendell had a love for traveling, fishing in Canada 50+ times and visiting Hawaii 31 times. He will be remembered as a loving husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather.

Those left to cherish his memory include his wife, Vona Ann; children, Debra (James) Taylor, Kimberly (Steve) Dykmann, and Paul Burbank; son-in-law, George Hess; grandchildren, Trevor Taylor, Derek Hess and Shawn With, Erik Sheldon, and Brandon, Ryan and Colyn Burbank; and 18 great-grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews, and extended loving family.

Wendell was preceded in death by his wife of 49 years, Barbara Burbank; daughter, Vicki Hess; parents, Vern and Gladys Burbank; stepmother, Almyra Burbank; sister, Beverly Gilbert; and grandson, Jaramie Sheldon.

Visitation will be held from 4 to 8 p.m., Wednesday, August 23, 2017 at Hamilton’s Funeral Home, 605 Lyon Street, Des Moines. Funeral service will begin at 10 a.m., Thursday, August 24th at Capitol Hill Lutheran Church, 511 Des Moines St., followed by burial at Glendale Cemetery in the Masonic section.

Memorial Contributions may be directed to Capitol Hill Lutheran Church in loving memory of Wendell.

Condolences may be expressed at: www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com

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