David Joseph Wordell

David Joseph Wordell, aged 84, was received into the loving arms of his Savior on August 21, 2024. A beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend, David was born to Alfred and Ruth (Hillmann) Wordell of Hilbert on October 1, 1939, in Appleton. He was baptized in the name of Father, Son, and Holy Spirit on June 20, 1940, at the parsonage in Brillion, Wisconsin. He promised to be faithful to the Lord at his confirmation at St. Peter Lutheran Church in Hilbert on March 29, 1953. By God’s grace he was able to keep that promise. After his graduation from Hilbert High School in 1957, he earned a two-year degree in electronics in Chicago. He married Marlys Schmidt of Morrison at Zion Lutheran Church on June 22, 1963, and their union was blessed with a son Brad and a daughter Brenda. 

Dave worked for Channel 11 in Green Bay, where he gained many lifelong friends. In 1967 he went into homebuilding and eventually built about 60 custom homes in the Green Bay area. Later in life he installed and repaired electronic church organs. 

Dave was known for many things: his jokes, his popcorn, his stereo system, polka music, Hee Haw, sheepshead (picking light and sometimes making it), Euchre, cribbage, worship at the early service every Sunday, and volunteering at St. Mark Lutheran Church and School in Green Bay, especially for sound and computers. Throughout their married life, David and Marlys were blessed with many faithful friends at church and in their card club. 

Dave was preceded in death by his parents; by Marlys’ parents, Alvin and Myrtle Schmidt; and by his brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Roger and Marlene Schmidt. He is survived by his wife Marlys; his son Brad (Andrea) Wordell and his daughter Brenda (Robert) Hungerford; by eight grandchildren: Adam (Laura) Hungerford, Brianna (Nick) Wilson, Benjamin Wordell, Aaron (Jordyn) Hungerford, Jonathan (Claire) Wordell, Seth Wordell, Hannah (Evan) Swiontek, and Josiah Wordell; by one great-grandson, James Hungerford; and by many relatives and friends. 

A celebration of David’s life, especially the gracious gifts he received from the Lord, will be held at Riverview Lutheran Church in Appleton on Saturday, August 24, 2024, at 11:00 am, with Rev. Timothy Wagner officiating. Visitation at the church begins at 9:00 am until the time of service. Memorial gifts may be made to Riverview Lutheran Church. The family is thankful for the loving support of family and friends, the pastors at Riverview, the staff at Prairie Home Assisted Living, and the hospice workers at Preceptor Home Health. 

“Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on” (Revelation 14:13).