Charles Louis "Chuck" Wendorff

C. L. (Chuck) Wendorff, of Tulsa, OK, passed away at his home on Friday, January 22, 2016 following a short illness. We celebrate his life of 91 years and the lives of those he touched along the way. Chuck was born on March 26, 1924 in Quincy, IL, the son of Drs. Herman and Flora Wendorff. In 1941, he graduated from Quincy High School (a school that was built by his grandfather) and went on to attend Carthage College for 2 years. At this time in his life, our country was at war, and Chuck suspended his education to enlist in the Army, where he served our country for 3 years during World War II, as an ASTP American Specialist. Following WWII, Chuck resumed his education at Grinnell College, Grinnell, Iowa where he received a BS in Chemistry in 1948. He also met the love of his life, Ann Walton Wendorff, and the two were married on December 29, 1947. Chuck and Ann recently observed their 68th anniversary in their journey through life together. The Wendorffs moved to Tulsa, OK, in 1948, where Chuck went to work in the research lab of the Dowell Division of Dow Chemical Company, a career that would span 36 years. Dowell recognized Chuck for multiple patents in the development of oilfield chemistry, including fluid technology that is still being used in the industry today. He was an active member of the Society of Petroleum Engineers and served as a guest technical speaker at SPE conferences. Upon retirement, Chuck continued to utilize his skills in service to others. He worked with the "Up With Trees" organization and designed the signs that we see throughout our community today. He also served as a Master Gardner for 25 years, helping others to learn and enjoy the art of gardening. He was a member of the Tulsa Ship Modelers' Society and participated in the building of a model of the USS Tulsa, which was donated to the Tulsa Historical Society. He was a skilled wood-worker, and was fond of building furniture. His handiwork has been used and enjoyed by 4 generations of the Wendorff family, a lasting testament to his commitment to quality. Chuck was an elder and active member of John Knox Presbyterian Church and made a "joyful noise unto the Lord" as a member of the adult choir for 57 years. His wood-working and gardening projects were often utilized at the John Knox facility. Along with his relationship with God, Chuck valued his family above all else. The Wendorff inheritance will be the memories of 14 incredible family vacations, and the time spent with each other exploring different parts of the United States, all made possible by Chuck's generosity and love of his family. Chuck was preceded in death by his parents, and one grandson, Carl Lattimore III. He is survived by his beloved wife, Ann Wendorff, 4 children: Deborah Chisler (son-in-law, Steve), James Wendorff (daughter-in-law, Donna), William Wendorff (daughter-in-law, Joni) and Lisa Rogers. He leaves his 7 grandchildren, Rachel Allen (Peter), Aric Wendorff (Tabatha), Todd Wendorff, Kyle Rogers, Brian Lukocevich (Jennifer), C.J. Ishmael (Becky Burks), Carl Lattimore's widow, Crystal; and 5 great-grandchildren. A celebration of Chuck Wendorff's life will be held at John Knox Presbyterian Church on Tuesday, January 26, 2016 at 2:00 P.M. Friends may honor Chuck's memory with contributions to John Knox Presbyterian Church or charity of their choice. Moore's Southlawn 918-663-2233 share memories at www.moorefuneral.com

Charles Louis "Chuck" Wendorff

March 26, 1924 - January 22, 2016