Wendell James Reinhart, 76, of Fort Wayne, Indiana, passed away surrounded by the love of his family on August 18, 2026.

Wendell was born December 20, 1949, in Quebec, Canada. As a young child, he and his sister were adopted through Catholic Social Services and welcomed into the family of Vernon and Thelma Reinhart in Paulding, Ohio. He became a United States citizen on December 22, 1953, and grew up on his family’s dairy farm in Paulding.

Some of Wendell’s fondest memories from his younger years were of working alongside his father, whom he deeply admired. Together they milked cows on the family farm, and Wendell accompanied his father on wrecker calls for the family Chevrolet dealership. His father, a decorated World War II veteran, died when Wendell was just 18 years old, but remained an important influence throughout Wendell’s life.

Wendell graduated from Paulding High and later proudly served his country in the United States Army from 1968 to 1971 as a member of the Military Police Corps. Following his military service, he made Fort Wayne his home, where he lived for more than 50 years.

A lifelong carpenter and craftsman, Wendell spent most of his career self-employed. There was very little he couldn’t build, repair or remodel. He particularly enjoyed building decks during the summer months and working on remodeling and restoration projects. Wendell appreciated the character and craftsmanship of older buildings and took great pride in bringing new life to them. Even outside of work, he was rarely without a project of some kind.

Wendell was funny, kind, thoughtful and, on occasion, just a little stubborn. He was also deeply sentimental and had an appreciation for the people, photographs, stories and memories that made up a life. In more recent years, he took great pride in his home in downtown Fort Wayne, where he enjoyed a beautiful 14th-floor view of the city, attending local farmers markets and spending time with his two Siamese cats, China and Sheba—who, naturally, had their own cat condo built by Wendell.

Above all, Wendell loved his family. He was a devoted father to his daughter, Kara, and stepdaughter, Amy, whom he loved and regarded as his own from the time she was a young girl. He absolutely adored his granddaughters, Ava and Ella, and being a dad and grandpa was among the greatest blessings of his life.

Wendell’s Catholic faith was an important part of his story from his earliest years and remained a source of meaning throughout his life.

Wendell is survived by his daughter, Kara (Paul) Alvarado; his stepdaughter, Amy (Derrick) Gepfert; his beloved granddaughters, Ava and Ella Alvarado; his sister, Jane Gray; and other family and friends who were fortunate to know him.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Vernon and Thelma Reinhart, and Tina (Runser) Johnson, mother of his daughter and stepdaughter.

Wendell will be remembered for his humor and kindness, his craftsmanship, his sentimental heart, his love of family, and the many things he built and restored with his own two hands.

Visitation will be from 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., Sunday, August 30, 2026, at Covington Memorial Funeral Home, 8408 Covington Road, Fort Wayne and from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., Monday, August 31, 2026, at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 2213 Brooklyn Avenue, Fort Wayne. Mass of Christian burial will be at 11:00 a.m. Monday with burial to follow at Catholic Cemetery.

Military honors will be rendered in recognition of Wendell’s service to his country.