MADISON - Samuel Wallendal, age 85, passed away peacefully on January 1, 2025. He was a beloved father, husband, and friend who will be remembered fondly for his smile, his wit, and his sincerity.

Sam was born on March 8, 1939, in the town of Trenton, WI, and lived in various towns in central Wisconsin where he spent his formative years. He went on to attend Dodge County Teacher’s School and finished at UW Oshkosh while becoming a teacher in Port Washington. After marrying his wife, Joanne (Parkinson), they adventured to Guam, where Sam embraced the island culture and taught at Yigo Intermediate School for four years. They returned state-side and Sam found work teaching at Poynette Elementary and Middle School for 12 years and working at the canning factory in the summers. He left his 25-year career in education and moved his family to Madison to work as a police report typist in the Madison Police Department until his retirement 18 years later in 2005. Throughout his careers, he was known for his hard work, dedication, and passion for helping others.

More than anything, Sam understood the importance of family and faith. He loved spending time with his children, sharing stories, playing games, and being creative. He cherished time together with loved ones and always enjoyed the company of friends and family, organizing family reunions, and making connections.

In his free time, Sam enjoyed travel, photography, genealogical research and feeding the backyard wildlife. He was always eager to share his knowledge and enthusiasm with others and was known for his strong sense of humor and openness to others different than himself. He was also known for his Christian faith as an active member in the ELCA Lutheran church community and was a deacon at Bethel Lutheran while living in Poynette and was known to swing a mean thurible. In Madison, he was a member of Messiah Lutheran Church and then Lake Edge Lutheran Church. Sam was extremely charitable and avidly donated to various causes and organizations.

Sam is survived by his loving wife, Joanne (Parkinson); his children, Gregory (Rebecca) Wallendal of Beloit, WI, and Peter Wallendal of Madison, WI; his grandchildren, Esther, Jacob, and Simon; his brother, Donald Wallendal; and sister, Vera Tollefsen. He was preceded in death by his parents, Jacob and Caroline (Neumann) Wallendal; his brother, Roger Wallendal; and his oldest son, Christopher Wallendal. His memory will be cherished by all who knew him.

A public visitation will be held at LAKE EDGE LUTHERAN CHURCH, 4032 Monona Drive, Madison, WI 53716, from 10 a.m. until the time of the service at 11 a.m. on Friday, January 17, 2025.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Lake Edge Lutheran Church or a charity of your choice in Sam’s name. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.

Gunderson East

Funeral & Cremation Care

5203 Monona Drive

(608) 221-5420

Samuel Wallendal

March 08, 1939 - January 01, 2025

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