Wendell Byom

Wendell Gene Byom, 89, of Arcadia, passed away on Monday, November 16, at his home surrounded by his family under the care of St. Croix Hospice.

Wendell was born on November 19, 1930 to Carl and Mamie (Hunter) Byom in North Bend, WI.  He attended Silver Creek grade school and graduated from Galesville High School in 1948.  Wendell was in the Air Force from 1951-1954; mainly stationed at Travis Air Force Base in California.  Upon completion of the Air Force, he attended UW-LaCrosse and UW-Madison completing his degree in pharmacy in 1958. He practiced pharmacy in Madison and Baldwin and purchased Runkel’s Drug Store in Arcadia in 1966, retiring in 1996.  He was active in the community belonging to the Lions Club, Country Club, American Legion, Sportsman’s Club and Bowling League.  He was an avid hunter, golfer and fisherman with annual Canadian fishing trips.

Wendell married Mary Lou Bohrnstedt of Arcadia on August 1, 1953 at OLPH Catholic Church in Arcadia.  They had 6 children who all survive: Lori (Pat) Fox, Hartland, WI; Debbie Kluttz, Castlewood, VA; Jon (Sue), Wisconsin Rapids; Tom (Shawn), Urbandale, IA; Jeff (Susan), Winona, MN; Becky (Todd) Hayes, Verona, WI.  Also surviving are 15 grandchildren; 7 great-grandchildren; and brothers-in-law, David Bohrnstedt of Appleton and George (Jennifer) Bohrnstedt of Indian Wells, CA.

Preceding Wendell in death were his wife of 62 years, Mary Lou; his parents; brothers Winfred and Ronald Byom; and sisters Carol Brown and Shirley Patridge.

Due to the circumstances surrounding the Covid-19 pandemic, a private family service will take place.  Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery, rural Arcadia.  To express condolences to his family online, please visit www.wozneykillianfh.com.  Memorials in Wendell’s honor may be given to the MS Foundation, St. Croix Hospice or to the donor’s choice.