Jeffrey Ervin Wessendorf

Jeff Wessendorf, 57, passed away at home after a short illness. Jeff was born in Toledo to Ned Wessendorf and Virginia (Copper) née McCreery. Ned and Copper were divorced when Jeff was young and Copper married Ken Garrett who raised Jeff as his son. Beloved brother, son, nephew, cousin, uncle, friend and fur daddy, Jeff had a huge heart. Disabled from a back injury working on a marine dredge as a young man, he lived in Ludington, MI where he was raised, Clearwater FL, Toledo OH, and in the past 13 years spent much of his time in Sault Ste Marie, MI first lovingly caring for Ken after a stroke until his passing in 2012, and then caring for Copper the last several years until her passing in March of 2023. After graduating from Ludington High School, he attended Case Western Reserve in Cleveland and earned a certificate in diesel mechanics. He was extremely handy and could fix most anything. He renovated many apartment houses in the historic Toledo district, a few hours at a time as his back would allow, over many years. He adopted many Labrador rescues over the years. Those dogs were so lucky to have Jeff as their fur daddy. They were always by his side and spoiled rotten. He was also known to take in and care for a few very lucky stray cats. He will be forever missed.

He is survived by brother, Greg, and sister-in-law, Karen Wessendorf; sister, Darcy Harwood Brazen (Kate Hallenbach); step-sister, Christina Garrett; lifelong friend, Gary Thorne; niece, Lyndsey (Simon) Zahel; nephew, Logan Wessendorf; cousin, Patrick McCreery; and aunt, Cathy McCreery.

Per his wishes, cremation will take place, and a memorial service will be held at a later date. Memorials in Jeff’s name can be made to the greater Toledo SPCA or St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospitals.