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Bill had been diagnosed with Metastatic Lung Cancer, Stage 4
Wendling, William W.
April 8, 1945 - January 1, 2020
Bill Wendling, formerly of Cleveland, Ohio, died at his Bradenton home on New Year's Day, surrounded by family, friends, and his cherished wife, Lynne Woodman.
A proud 1967 graduate of Miami University, he moved to Cleveland and founded Wendling Communications, a public relations and reputation management firm. For more than 40 years he specialized in strategic planning and crisis communications, serving businesses, school districts including Cleveland and Chicago, governmental units, nonprofit organizations and trade associations. He won the respect and trust of local and national media for his honesty, forthrightness, and ability to make complex issues understandable.
Among his many awards were induction by the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) into its prestigious College of Fellows in recognition of his exceptional contributions to the field; the Lighthouse Award for career achievements from the Cleveland chapter of PRSA; and recognition as one of the "Instrumental Few" civic leaders who brought the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame & Museum to Cleveland.
A quiet but forceful advocate for disability rights, he received the Frederick C. Robbins Spirit of Courage Award from the March of Dimes (MOD), was a keynote speaker at the MOD national volunteer leadership conference, and served on the Executive Steering Committee of the International Conference on Post-Polio Syndrome.
His life will be celebrated on January 18 at 4:00 PM at First Congregational United Church of Christ of Sarasota. In lieu of flowers, he hoped for gifts to that church designated for the Oasis Center for Reflection and Renewal, a space open to all of Sarasota, that he envisioned and helped bring to fruition.
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Owen (Rodger) Stiles
As the list gets longer aned longer of our classmates who have joined our Lord, I am taking a pause and sending Bill a Navy wish - May he always now have fair winds and following seas! Rest in Peace classmate!
Lily Mast (van Melckebeke)
My deep sympathy and prayer for our Senior Classmate, I remember too. My deep condoleances to his dear family, L i L y MAST - van MELCKEBEKE your A.F.S.er from Belgium 1962-63 at Columbian High School.
Porki Werling (Davidson)
So sorry to hear about Bill's passing. Even when he had his braces, he always took each day just like the others who did not have that disability---maybe even better. i am sure i irritated him at times and even made him laugh at times when we were in home room. He was Wen and i was Wer. Rest in peace Bill and much sympathy to his family
Kaye Fisher
What an outstanding life! My sympathies to Bill's family and to everyone who loved him
Mac McDonald (McDonald)
Shocking news. So sorry to hear of the passings of any of our class mates. Bill was such a inspiration watching him overcome life's many challenges. He will be missed. We will pray for peace and tranquility as the family heals from their loss.
Mac McDonald (McDonald)
Does anyone have an address for the family?
Tom Yager
Bill was a great friend for so many years. He was always upbeat and inspiring. I particularly enjoyed staying in touch long after high school and college when we had lunch and dinner in Washington DC several times. Condolences to his wife. I'll remember Bill very fondly.
Gene Runion
What sad news to start the new year with. A great person, my condolences.
Michelle Shurts (Flechtner)
After reading Billl's obituary what can I say, but WOW! What full life! I remember him being such a friendly and kind soul, and he still was when we talked at class reunions. How sad and so much sympathy to his wife, Lynne.
Bill Doemel
I just read of Bill's death in January. He and Nancy were very close friends both during and after high school. I can imagine both of them now hugging each other and looking over all of us. I was fortunate to have known Bill.