Wendell C. Peterson, 81, of Hutchinson, died Thursday, Oct. 13, 2016. He was born Oct. 4, 1935, at Salina, the son of Wallace and Fern (Dukes) Peterson.

He was a graduate of Lindsborg High School, Bethany College and Emporia State University, and served in the Army National Guard. Wendell was a teacher at Hutchinson High School for 32 years, retiring in 1995. He was a member of Emanuel Lutheran Church, part of the Men's Ensemble at the church, NEA, KNEA, Lions Club, and AMBUCS.

On Oct. 9, 1959, he married Lanetta Kay Lain in Haysville. She survives. Other survivors include: their daughters and spouses, Shelly Zerger (Ward) of Olathe, Carla Lindenberger (Pastor Greg) of Hastings, Neb.; twin brother, Warren of Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada; brother, Robert (Flo) of Lindsborg; and three grandsons, Tyler and Zachary Zerger, both of Olathe, and Jacob Lindenberger of Salina. He was preceded in death by: his father, Wallace; mothers, Fern Peterson and Ingeborg Eleanor Peterson; aunt, Margaret Peterson; and brother, Dr. Dan Peterson.

Funeral service will be 11 a.m. Monday, Oct. 17, 2016, at Emanuel Lutheran Church, 140 East 30th Avenue, Hutchinson, with Pastors Tim Carey and Greg Lindenberger officiating. Burial will follow at 2:30 p.m. in Smoky Hill Cemetery, Lindsborg. Visitation will be from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday, with family present from 6 to 8 p.m. at Elliott Mortuary, Hutchinson. Memorial gifts may be made to the church or American Diabetes Association, in care of Elliott Mortuary, 1219 N. Main, Hutchinson, KS 67501.