Obituary of Karl Wendt

Karl H Wendt, passed away peacefully on Friday, July 21, at the age of 84, surrounded by his friends. Born in NYC on January 2, 1933, he grew up in Jackson Heights, NY. He was the son of Hans and Anna Wendt. He attended Trinity Prep School in NYC. During his Cornell college years, he served in the U.S. Marine Corps at headquarters, Washington DC as a construction draftsman. He graduated with a BA from Cornell University School of Architecture in 1951, with influence from visiting lecturers like Frank Lloyd Wright, Buckminister Fuller, Paul Rudolph, Marcel Breuer, and others. He was a licensed architect in Central NY for over 50 years. Karl's desire to become an architect began when he was 13 years old, inspired by his father, an architect-craftsman from Germany who immigrated to the USA in 1921. Karl is survived by his children, Karl, Kurt and Lydia Wendt as well as four grandchildren, William, David-Kyle, Riley and Gussy. He was predeceased by his parents as well as his sister Diane Harschied. His past accomplishments include Ithaca Jaycees, Chamber of Commerce, Rotarian, VP of Central NYS Chapter American Institute of Architects, and Cortland Free Library Board of Directors, . He was an expert in ADA Accessibility for the State of NY. Some of his notable buildings include NYS Grange Building, Gutchess Lumber, Agway, Ithaca Gun, Kelly's Reef, the redesign of Hollywood Restaurant after their fire, Paul Bunyan Products, Gutchess International, where he won an award for environmental safety design, as well as an award of excellence for the design of the JM Murray Center. Karl loved to fish and explore the world. He did so one sea port at a time including England, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, Denmark, Egypt, Greece, Japan, China, Thailand, Mexico and Costa Rica where he stayed over two decades, often visiting with the Ambassador, his ex-Cornell roommate. He was an active member of the Cortland County Club for over 40 years, where he designed and renovated the main hall and veranda. One could often find him, the sharp-shooter from Cornell, aiming at squirrels off his front patio while enjoying a martini. Afterall, he was a NYS Champion on the varsity Big Red Rifle Team 1954-55 and he loved a good cocktail. In lieu of a service, the family will be hosting a reception from 4-7pm, Tuesday July 25,2017 at 4052 Quail Ridge Road Cortland NY 13045. Those wishing to make memorial contributions are asked to consider Meals on Wheels.