Wendell D.”Weed” Barnes, 76, passed away quietly on Saturday, July 6, 2013, at his home in Wilton, WI.  He was born on December 2, 1936, in Sioux Falls, SD, and moved to La Crosse as a small child.  After attending La Crosse schools, he entered the US Marine Corps in 1954 and was honorably discharged in 1957.  In 1958 he married Patricia Otto in La Crosse.  Together they had four children and later divorced.  Wendell married Patricia Backman in 1984.

Among his employers in the LaCrosse area were Bordens, Allis Chalmers, and Frito Lay.  He worked in Gateway Transportation Central Operations, and in 1980 became Vice President of Operations for Bird Trucking, Waupun, WI.  He later held the same position at Millis Transfer in Black River Falls until his retirement in 1998.  From 1988 until 1998 he also owned and operated “The Inn at Wildcat Mountain” Bed and Breakfast in Ontario, WI.

Wendell is survived by his spouse, Patricia of Wilton, son, Steven of La Crosse; daughters, Cynthia (Ronald) Oldenburg of West Salem, Pamela Van Riper of Onalaska, and Deanna (David) Stelloh of La Crosse;  Stepsons, Bradley (Vanessa) Backman of Portland OR, D. Bjorn (Michelle) Backman of Onalaska and Corbin (Janet) Backman of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia; sisters, Dorothy (Alvin) Schaper and Nellie (Patrick) McBain of La Crosse; 13 grandchildren, many nieces, nephews and friends.

Wendell was preceded in death by his parents, Frederick and L.Pearl of La Crosse; brothers, Charles of Bangor, Frederick (Fritz) and Eugene of West Salem; sisters, infant Patricia and Darlene Johnson of Grover City, CA; and daughter-in-law Lora (Steven) Barnes of La Crosse.

A special thanks to Gundersen Hospice Program and to our many friends and relatives.

Wendell‘s sunny and fun-loving spirit endeared him to family and friends.  He was our “favorite uncle”, a wonderful and much loved husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend.  His presence is greatly missed.

A private Celebration of Life will be held.