Memorial Services were held for Wendell Dreyer, age 91, of New York Mills, on Monday, May 20, 2024, at Trinity Lutheran Church in New York Mills, with Pastor Kirk Douglas officiating. Congregational Hymns were accompanied by Janell Brakel. Military Honors were provided by Charles D. Center V.F.W. Post #3289 of New York Mills, Minnesota, and the United States Army National Guard of Moorhead, Minn.

Wendell Norman Dreyer was born on February 28, 1933, in Ottertail Township, to Arthur and Betty (Thalmann) Dreyer. Wendell was baptized on March 12, 1933, and confirmed on March 30, 1947, at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Ottertail.

Wendell attended St. John’s parochial school through the eighth grade and graduated from Perham High School in 1951. He dairy and hog farmed with his dad and brother Marvin until 1955. In 1956 he worked for Pioneer Engineering Works in Minneapolis, Minn., for six months before being drafted and serving in the United States Army for two years. In 1958 Wendell resumed his farming career.

Wendell met Karen Thompson, his bride-to-be, at Leaf Lakes Ballroom in 1964, and they were united in marriage on August 14, 1965. They dairy farmed together for 24 years and continued crop farming until 1998. During his retirement years, Wendell enjoyed farming with his son, fishing, snowmobiling, and trapping gophers. On May 15, 2024, Wendell entered his eternal rest at his home surrounded by his family.

Wendell will be deeply missed by his children Jody (Jay) Rose of Ham Lake, Minn., and Kevin Dreyer of New York Mills; brother Marvin (Donna) Dreyer of Ottertail, sister-in-law Margaret (Lloyd) Dreyer of Chisago City, Minn., brother-in-law Clayton Thomas of Roanoke, Va., and many nieces, nephews, and friends.

He is preceded in death by his parents Arthur and Betty Dreyer; wife Karen Dreyer; sisters Rosella (Delmont) Lueders, Oradell (Alvin) Kuklock, Edna (Herbert) Cloeter, and Betty (Clayton) Thomas; and brother Lloyd Dreyer.

Please visit www.karvonenfuneralhome.com to leave memorials and condolences on Wendell’s Tribute Wall.

Arrangements provided by Karvonen Funeral & Cremation Service of New York Mills.