Wendell K. Eilo

KIMBALL, Wis. - Wendell K. Eilo, 74, of Kimball passed away unexpectedly on Dec. 19, 2021.

He was born in Iron Belt on Dec. 12, 1947, the son of Sulo and Pearl Eilo.

Wendy graduated from J.E. Murphy High School in 1966. Shortly thereafter, he enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps and served during the Vietnam War as a radio repair man at Camp Brooks, Da Nang, Vietnam. He was honorably discharged after completing his enlistment as a sergeant in March 1970.

He returned to the area where he met Susan Armata. They married in 1974, together they raised three children.

Wendy was a jack of all trades and could fix or build just about anything. He learned these skills from working various jobs including operating C&L Truck Service in Ironwood, Michigan, driving tractor trailer for DART Transit Company and worked as a mechanic for the Iron County Forestry Department where he retired in 2008. He also served as the Kimball town chairman for 10 years.

In 1997, Wendy and Susan separated and he reconnected with his high school sweetheart Barbara (Binczak) Krankkala. Wendy and Barbara married in 2013 and resided in Kimball. Wendy and Barb enjoyed each other's company and could often be found with their beloved dog Murphy, which they treated better than a king. Some of their favorite things they enjoyed doing included trips to the casino, tinkering around the garage, gardening, discovering all types of treasures at local auctions, going for car rides, sightseeing and lastly, talking politics and supporting President Donald Trump.

Wendy was also a strong advocate and active member of the VFW, Disabled American Veterans and American Legion.

He is survived by his three children, Holly (Kyle) Ramme, Jason (Tricia) Eilo and Stacy (Gus) Eilo; stepdaughters, Sam (Brad) Langer and Nikki (Cory) Krankkala; eight grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; and numerous other family and friends.

Wendy is preceded in death by his wife, Barbara; parents, Sulo and Pearl; two brothers, Theodore and Robert; four sisters, Beverly, Dolly, Dorothy and Lynda; nephew, Ken Drier; and other family and friends.

Per his wishes Wendy has been cremated.

He is now at peace and reunited with "His Girl" Barb. He will be missed by all that knew him.

The family would like to extend their thanks to the staff at the Ironwood VA, Aspirus Ironwood ER and Aspirus Wausau Hospital.

Graveside service with full military honors will be held in July 2022.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the Hildebrand Funeral Home and Cremation Specialists of Rhinelander. Everyone is invited to sign the guestbook or leave an online condolence at hildebrandrussfh.com.