Former area resident Edwin David “Ed” Wendt Jr., 70, died at his home in Malden, Wash., on Feb. 6, 2015.

He was born Aug. 1, 1944, in Seattle to Edwin and Verna (Hintz) Wendt. He was raised in Wilkeson and Enumclaw, graduating from Enumclaw High School in 1962. He married Laurelyn Williams on Oct. 23, 1964, in Enumclaw. He worked at the Wilkeson Sandstone Quarry while attending night classes for welding. He worked for Manson Marine construction overseeing dredging, pile driving and dock work. He finished his career at Lonestar Cement Co. He was a lifetime member of the International Union of Operating Engineers Local #612. His enjoyment was going fishing and hunting as well as remodeling houses. He took early retirement at age 52 after 25 years as an operating engineer.

In 1992 he and his wife moved to Malden to be closer to family. There, he worked for the McGregor Company, J.L. Love Company, the city of Rosalia and as a custodian at the Rosalia school. When he wasn’t working he enjoyed going to yard sales and was always tinkering on a project in his garage.

He is survived by wife Laurelyn at the family home in Malden; son James (Anita) Wendt of Malden; daughter Angie Scott of Colfax, Wash.; sisters Nancy Montague, Phyllis Wendt and Pat Haulet, all of Malden, and Sally Hughes of Texas; and five grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by sister Arlene Montague.

Memorial contributions in his honor are suggested to the Rosalia/Whitman County District 7 Fire Department, P.O. Box 291, Rosalia, Wash. 99170.

Arrangements are by Bruning Funeral Home of Colfax. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.bruningfuneralhome.com.

Graveside services took place Thursday, Feb. 12, at the Rosalia IOOF Cemetery.