Wendell C. Tuffin

Wendell C. Tuffin, 75, of Newton, died Sunday, Oct. 13, 2019, at Accura of Newton West. A visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 17, 2019, at the Wallace Family Funeral Home and Crematory in Newton. A private family burial will be held at a later date. Memorials to Wendell’s family — to be used for children with learning disabilities — can be left at the funeral home.

Wendell, the son of J. Edward and Dorothea M. (Shepard) Tuffin, was born Aug. 10, 1944, in Guthrie Center. He had great memories of growing up on his family’s farm. Wendell moved to Newton in 1971, where he met the love of his life, Jane Ann Behrens. The couple was married June 16, 1973, in Newton. Wendell worked as a die cutter for The Maytag Company for 34 years, retiring in 2006. Wendell was a member of the UAW Local 997 and the First Christian Church. He enjoyed tinkering with things and could often be found in his garage building or fixing something. He made ceramic urn flowerpots for several years. He enjoyed attending his coffee club with his friends. He was also a devoted caregiver to his wife, Jane Ann, throughout her illnesses.

Wendell is survived by his children, Brian (Wendy) Tuffin of Ankeny and Kay (Jason) Kleinschrodt of Newton; his grandchildren, McKayla, McKenzie, Jenna, Allyson, Braden, Katherine and Jacob; his siblings, Kenneth, Tom, Robert, Margaret, JoAnn, Ruth and Marilyn; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Jane Ann in 2008; his brother, Charles; and sister, Sarah.