Wendell Lynn Hannum, 80, passed away at his home on October 17, 2026. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, veteran, teacher, coach, businessman, and friend. Throughout his life, he took pride in working hard, paying his own way, and doing whatever job was in front of him to the best of his ability. Above all, he loved his family.
Wendell was born on November 23, 1945, in Burlington, Iowa, the son of Everett Joseph Hannum and Belva Mae (Brown) Hannum. He grew up in What Cheer, Iowa, where he distinguished himself as a four-sport athlete at Tri-County High School, competing in football, basketball, track, and baseball. He was a state high jump champion, a leading scorer on his basketball team during his senior year, and a running back on the football team. In eighth grade, Wendell began dating Anneta Adams, known to everyone as Ann. That young relationship became a lifelong partnership. They married on August 18, 1968, and shared more than 58 years of marriage.
When Wendell was drafted into the United States Army, he initially did not want to marry before leaving for Vietnam. He worried that if he did not return, he would leave Ann a widow. Ann was having none of that. They married before his deployment and faced that uncertain chapter together. Wendell lost his own father, a school superintendent, when he was just twenty years old. He had spoken with him not long before his death. That loss stayed with Wendell and helped shape his determination to carry his own weight and earn his way forward. Throughout his life, he remained especially proud that he worked for what he had and paid his own way.
After high school, Wendell was invited to explore the University of Iowa’s football program, but he decided he was too small to compete at that level. Instead, he attended Central College, where he ran track and worked construction jobs to pay his way through school. He graduated from Central College and went on to continue his family’s tradition of education.
During his service in Vietnam, Wendell served with Company B, 1st Battalion, 27th Infantry Regiment — the “Wolfhounds”— of the 25th Infantry Division. His principal assignment was as the radiotelephone operator for the company commander, a critical responsibility during combat operations. Wendell was awarded the Bronze Star for his service. Of his military awards and recognitions, he held his Combat Infantryman Badge especially close. To him, it represented the realities of having served in combat alongside his fellow soldiers. He was deeply proud of his service to his country and of having done his duty well. His time with the Wolfhounds profoundly shaped his life. In later years, he reestablished contact with the men he had served beside, renewing friendships forged in combat. He frequently attended and hosted B Company, 1/27 reunions and stayed in regular contact with his fellow soldiers through his final days. Those friendships remained among the enduring treasures of his life.
In December 1970, Wendell and Ann moved to West Point, Iowa, where he accepted a teaching position at Marquette High School. He taught there for approximately ten years and also served as a coach. He started the school’s girls’ basketball and girls’ track and field programs, creating opportunities for young women to compete and excel. Although he was an excellent teacher and coach, Wendell often joked that he was worse than the students when it came to gazing out the classroom window and wishing he could be outdoors. Eventually, he followed that calling into self-employment. As a tank wagon agent working with a fuel distributor, Wendell delivered fuel to farmers throughout Southeast Iowa. He enjoyed the independence, the time outdoors, and especially the relationships he developed with farm families. His customers knew they could count on an honest price and a man who stood behind his word. Many became lifelong friends.
Wendell and Ann raised three children: Chad, Jared, and Tara. He took pride in watching them build their own families and successful careers. Becoming a grandfather—and later a great-grandfather—brought him another generation to love and enjoy. Around the time Chad left for college, Wendell purchased another oil dealership. Chad later returned to work alongside him, and at one point, all three of Wendell’s children—Chad, Jared, and Tara—were working with him in the fuel business. Together, they built a thriving family business through hard work and a shared commitment to their customers. Those years gave them more than a livelihood; they gave them time together, shared accomplishments, and memories they would carry for the rest of their lives. For Chad, working beside his Dad also deepened a bond he would always treasure. Wendell was his father, his Dad, and his best friend. Eventually, they received an offer to purchase the business that was too good to pass up. Although Wendell was not quite ready to retire, they sold the business, and Chad went on to pursue his career with Fort Madison Fire & Rescue.
Ann built a remarkable career of her own as a respected nurse at the hospital in Burlington. Her skill, compassion, and dedication to her patients reflected the commitment to others that shaped their life together. Wendell and Ann also realized a shared dream of owning an acreage in the country. During the COVID years, the family came together to build a home there as a place for the entire Hannum family to gather and get away. The acreage became a place for children, grandchildren, and extended family to spend time outdoors, share stories, laugh, and make memories. It reflected what Wendell and Ann had spent their lives building: a family that enjoyed being together and a place where future generations could continue that tradition.
Wendell made good friends throughout every chapter of his life—from his childhood in What Cheer to his Army service, teaching and coaching years, business career, and retirement. If you were fortunate enough to know him, you knew a man who valued friendship, believed in an honest day’s work, and took pride in doing things well.
Wendell is survived by his wife: Ann; his son: Chad Hannum, and wife, Rebecca, and their children, Wendolyn and Garrett; his son: Jared Hannum, and his sons, Hunter and Hayden; his daughter: Tara Pope, and her children, Rylie, Sophia, and Michael; and his great-granddaughter, Carter Jaye, daughter of Rylie. He is also survived by his older sister: Barbara McFarlan, and her husband, Gary; and his younger sister: Diana Bos, and her husband, Mike.
He was preceded in death by his parents: Everett Joseph and Belva Mae Hannum.
His legacy lives on in his family, the students and athletes he encouraged, the customers who became friends, and the soldiers whose bonds with him lasted a lifetime. It also lives on in the everyday words his children now hear themselves saying. When Chad, Jared, and Tara were growing up, Dad would send them out the door in the morning with a familiar phrase: “Peas and carrots, tomatoes, lettuce go.” And out the door they would go. All three carried those words into their own homes, saying them to their own children. He worked hard for the life he built. His family will always be grateful that they got to share it with him—and that something as simple as heading out the door will always bring his voice back to them. “Peas and carrots, tomatoes, lettuce go. And we’re off like a herd of turtles.”
A visitation with family receiving friends will be held from 9:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Monday, October 26, 2026, at Schmitz Funeral Home in West Point.
A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Monday, October 26, 2026, at Schmitz Funeral Home in West Point. Following the service full military rites will be presented by the West Point American Legion Holtz - Geers Post #668.
Following the memorial service a luncheon will be held at the West Point American Legion.
A memorial has been established in his memory for the Three Rivers Conservation Foundation.
Schmitz Funeral Home of West Point is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be made to the family at www.schmitzfuneralhomes.com.
