Wendell Kirkpatrick Obituary

Wendell Charles Kirkpatrick

February 9, 1926 - December 25, 2023

LONGVIEW - Dr. Wendell Kirkpatrick, longtime area family physician, passed away on Christmas Day at the age of 97. He is survived by his beloved wife of 73 years, Mickey, five children: Bill, Steven (Melinda), Nan (Michael Dodson), Jeff (Debbi) and Donald (Jody), 10 grandchildren, and eight great-grandchildren.

Wendell Charles Kirkpatrick was born February 9, 1926, in Richland Center, WI, the fifth of five sons to Robert Bruce and Caroline Sophia Kirkpatrick. He enlisted in the Navy at age 18, and served in occupied Japan late in WWII. After returning home and completing undergraduate studies at the University of Wisconsin, Wendell enrolled in medical school at Washington University in St. Louis, where he met his wife-to-be, Minnie May "Mickey" Nading.

Wendell and Mickey moved to Longview, WA in 1952, where he opened a medical practice with his brother, Dr. Neal Kirkpatrick. For 43 years, "Dr. Wendell" treated multiple generations of families by delivering babies, performing surgery, making house calls and providing office care. Wendell was one of the first local doctors to become Board Certified in Family Practice when those care standards were established in 1969.

Wendell was active in the local community. He served for many years as Scoutmaster of the 100+ member Troop 330, known as "Kirkpatrick's Army" for their enthusiastic campouts and support of community activities. Dozens of troop members and all four of Wendell's sons earned the top rank of Eagle Scout. Wendell received the Silver Beaver Award for outstanding character and service, one of the highest leadership awards in Scouting. He also filled various roles for the Rotary Club, the Longview School Board, Longview Community Church, Southwest Washington Civic Symphony, and the Longview Country Club. After retiring to the Silver Lake community, Wendell volunteered as a music and math tutor for students at Toutle Elementary School.

Wendell just wanted to be remembered as "a good guy," but to his family and friends he was much more. He was a devoted husband, loving father and grandfather, and avid sportsman. He slalom water skied into his 60's, snow skied in his 70's, and played golf through his 90's.

Wendell was also a man of faith who trusted Jesus Christ as his Savior. All family meals began with a prayer of thanksgiving for the many blessings the Lord had bestowed on his family. Wendell recognized the truth of the oft sung refrain, "Praise God from whom all blessings flow," and he looked forward to his eternal home in heaven.

He will be missed beyond measure. Plans for a celebration of life service are pending.

The family requests that memorials in Wendell's name be made to Community House on Broadway or Longview Community Church.

Online condolences can be left at https:/www.longviewmemorialpark.com