Wendell Hurst
October 2, 1940 ~ March 7, 2014
Wendell Paul Hurst, age 73 formerly of New Hampton, died with family at his side on March 7, 2014, at the Morningside Heights Care Center in Marshall, MN, from complications of diabetes and dementia.
A visitation celebrating the life of Wendell Hurst will be held Sunday, April 27th from 2 to 5 pm at the Hugeback-Johnson Funeral Home in New Hampton.
Wendell Paul Hurst was born on October 2, 1940 in Tyler, MN to Paul Francis and Violet (Peterson) Hurst of Russell, MN. He was baptized and confirmed at First United Presbyterian Church in Russell, and later graduated from Russell High School. He earned a BA from Mankato State College, and a Master's Degree in Counseling from the University of Northern Colorado in Greeley.
On June 9, 1962 Wendell married his high school sweetheart Karen Wood, also of Russell, at the First United Presbyterian Church in Russell. The couple moved to Clear Lake, IA, where Wendell worked as an English teacher and guidance counselor for six years.
In 1969 he was offered a job as a guidance counselor at New Hampton High School, where he worked closely with countless students for the next 32 years. Wendell was proud of the community and the school system in which he worked; he loved his job. He was committed to his professional role as an advocate for students, and was truly happy for their accomplishments, whether they be in academics, sports, or any other pursuits that were meaningful to students. He retired from NHHS in 2002, and in 2010 he and Karen moved to Marshall, MN, due to difficulties with his health.
Wendell was a member of the First United Methodist Church in New Hampton. He spent many evenings for nearly 40 years enjoying NHHS athletics and other student activities. He loved to travel; he and Karen toured Europe and North America while his health permitted. He was an avid reader for most of his life. Above all, Wendell enjoyed telling and listening to stories with friends and family, and his gentle sense of humor will be greatly missed.
Wendell is survived by his wife of 52 years, Karen of Marshall; two sons, Anthony (Lisa) of Marshall and Greg (Kristen) of Russell; three grandchildren, Mitchell, Levi, and Lydia; also many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and two siblings, Nyla Myers of Arlington, MN, and Shirley and her husband Calvin Cadwell of Russell, MN.
Memorials will be directed to the Dollars for Scholars fund in New Hampton.
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I am so sorry to learn of the passing of Mr. Hurst. I remember some wonderful things about him! Your entire family is in my thoughts and prayers.
My sympathies go to you, Karen, and your family. I have just heard about Wendall’s passing. I have many wonderful memories of you two when Wendall and John taught school together in New Hampton. I understand what your family experienced with the dementia; John lived with early onset Alzheimer’s Disease for several years. In many ways it was a blessing for John to move on to heaven. I am sure they have been having many conversations now. Your memories will sustain you.
Our deepest sympathies to Karen and family. Wendell touched many lives throughout the years while he was here at New Hampton, including our children’s during the years they attended school. Our oldest daughter, Jess, always spoke highly of him and forever grateful for his support and guidance. He was a good man with a very kind heart. He had a cheery disposition and always had time to say hello when I’d see him. May he rest in peace. Tom & Irene Frantzen
Condolences to Karen and family, We know that he was devoted husband and father. He gave much to his profession. Ginny and Stan Laures
Condolences to all your family. Wendell was a kind and wise colleague. We enjoyed our time working with him.
Mary Jo Love lit a candle in memory of Wendell Paul Hurst
‘Mr. Hurst, was my High School counselor and instrumental in so many decisions I had made toward my future after school in 1974. Even after graduating, I would come back home to visit and always take time to see Mr. Hurst at the school or in town. I am in shock and very saddened to hear of his passing. My deepest sympathies to the extended families, and know that he meant so many things to me in my world, even when I decided to go back to school in Germany in 1986 and needed advice on how to finish my schooling and complete my Diploma. I will greatly miss him. Mary Jo (Meyer) Love Colorado Springs, Colo.
Sorry to hear of Mr. Hurst’s passing. He was the advisor for our student newspaper, the ‘Dandy Lion’ when I was a senior at Clear Lake High School. I still remember putting together columns, counting inches and all the old technology we used to put our paper together. He taught me well! Bonnie Lauber-Westover
Francie & Steve Crawford lit a candle in memory of Wendell Paul Hurst
To the Hurst Family – you have our deepest sympathy. Kind and gentle was Wendell’s way. He was so good to all the students when we were in need of guidance! He always had a smile on his face and was willing to listen and give advice when we needed it most. We will keep him in our prayers. Bob and Cyndy Weiglein
Karen, I am so sorry to hear of your loss. We will keep you in our thoughts and prayers. LeRoy and Mary Lee Geerts
Mr. Hurst was one of my teachers in Clear Lake, Iowa. He lived around the corner from me. I lived at 301 Third Avenure and babysat for you several times. I think I sat for 25 cents an hour. Boy that dates me! He helped me when I struggled to write things for Mr. Potts. I appreciated his willingness to guide me and teach me with patience. I went on to be an elementary teacher in Virginia and Pennsylvania. I am now retired and live in Mission Viejo, CA. I too am diabetic for 35 years now. I hope he did not have too many complications from diabetes. My deepest sympathy to your family. He is joyfully in the hands of the Lord now. Blessings upon your family. Elaine Sargent Watschke
Our deepest sympathy to the family of Wendell .
To the Hurst Family – I am truly sorry to hear of Wendell’s passing. He was so helpful and kind to me and countless others during our high school years. He was compassionate, caring and always had time to listen. My thanks to Karen for sharing him so selflessly for so many years. Please accept my deepest sympathy.
Such a gentle man; Our deepest sympathy to Karen and your family.
My thoughts and prayers are with you, Karen, and family. Wendell always had a smile on his face and willingness to visit whenever I would meet him. He was very helpful when my daughters and I needed guidance with planning for their college careers. God Bless you with peace and comfort.
Such a wonderful man! He was so kind to students who needed him most. I am certain God has a special place for him. My prayers to you and yours, dear Karen.
We have fond memories of Mr Hurst. He was one of the best faculty members at NHHS while we were in high school. He had an innate ability to help students figure out the big question — ‘what am we going to do for the rest of our lives’ He was patient and understanding with teens and their unending questions. You have our deepest sympathy for your loss. Joe and Sharon Haskovec
I always enjoyed talking with Wendell at school functions and meetings. My sympathy to the entire family. Linda Langin Hugh
Mr Hurst was always there when you needed him. He had so much patience with me and always had a smile for me, no matter what! He was one of my best influences in the New Hampton School District. They have truly gained an angel in heaven! You have my deepest sympathy. Dixie (Lampe) Orthel
Wendell’s kind and caring ways made for a great person in the educational field and in life. He was a great neighbor to my in-laws. His life touched so many people. Our sympathies to your family. Virgil and Pam Pickar
Mr. Hurst was always there for me! He touched so many lives in such a positive way. Heaven has gained a true angel! God bless the Hurst family!
Mr. Hurst was my counselor when I was in high school. I will never forget his patience and gentle spirit. You have my deepest sympathy. Shirley (Throndson) Hoffman