Russell James Wendland, 72 of Germantown WI passed away on December 31, 2025 after a 14 year battle with Parkinson’s Disease.

Russell was born to Robert and Cora Wendland in Glenbrook, Illinois. Russell is survived by his wife of 39 years Gwen (Heyrman), Father to Elizabeth (Joshua) Tarantino, Step Father to Jennifer (Tom) Emerick, Andrea (Andrew) Baumgart, Grandfather to August, Cassidy, Max, Nolan, Gemma, Emmalynn, Eva, Estelle, Elly Ann, Brother of Robert (Susan) Wendland and Randall Wendland.

Russell received his Batchelor of Science in Landscape Architecture from UW Madison and spent over 50 years in the Landscape and Horticulture industry. In 1985 he established Wendland Landscape Services, Inc. and proceeded to open Wendland Nursery in Germantown, WI. He was blessed to work with his brothers, mother, daughters and establish many friendships in the 37 years he operated the company. He was overjoyed to pass the business on to the next generation with his daughter and son in law taking it over. His legacy will continue to bloom with the many landscapes he has planted throughout Southeast Wisconsin.

The family would like to thank, Dr. Kathyrn Gaines, the Aurora Hospice team, the staff in the Matterhaus at the Gables and his personal care giver Karri Lynn Topp.

Visitation will be on Friday, January 16 from 4PM until time of Memorial Service at 6:30PM at Schmidt & Bartelt Funeral Home - Menomonee Falls; N84 W17937 Menomonee Ave. In lieu of flowers donations can be made in this name to the Parkinson’s Foundation or to honor his love of horticulture the Germantown High School Environmental Club.