William James Anthony Wendt, 25, of Wheaton died, January 20, 2024.
Willliam was born May 8, 1998 in Oak Park, Illinois, the son of Jason Wendt and
Jill Arata. He graduated from Glenbard South High School. He worked at Lifetime
Fitness as a kids instructor, a job he loved because he was so great with the children,
as he was a big kid himself. He had a smile that could light up a room, loved making
others laugh and gave the best hugs. It was important to William to spend time with family,
whether it be watching movies or playing games with the family. He was a
hopeless romantic and loved Valentine’s Day. He was looking forward to being a
Dad. He loved music and dancing and was always the best dressed guy in the
room.
He is survived by his parents, Jill (Robert) Arata, Jason Wendt, his siblings,
Nathan, Alex, Brianna Arata, Jolene Schultz’s mother of soon to be born baby
boy Wendt. He is survived by his nephew, Dior, by his grandparents, Judi Wendt,
Mel Wendt, David Hannon, Judy Hannon, and Jose Giron. And by many aunts,
uncles, and cousins.
Visitation will be on Sunday, January 28, 2024 from 2-6pm with a service held at
5:30pm at DeFiore Funeral Home-10763 Dundee Road, Huntley, IL. For more
information, please contact the funeral home at 847-515-8772 or online
condolences may be directed to www.defiorefuneral.com.
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I remember William as a baby, I remember William as a pre teen, I saw him only twice in his teenage years, but the one thing I will remember most is how deeply he was loved by his family. No words will ease this terrible tragedy. You all have my deepest and heart felt condolences.
There are no words..... Praying for your family.
You were such an amazing cousin, William. I’ve never met anyone else who had a special personality like you, always making people laugh and being the energy in the room. I will miss you so much. Nobody could ever be like you. The memories of all of us cousins playing together from when we were little playing hide & seek and Just Dance, all the way up until recently being so goofy playing board games at Chula Vista— means everything to me. You always were so caring and hilarious, making everyone want to be around you. There will always be a missing piece without you. I miss your laugh and the energy you had. But I would love to celebrate the amazing memories with him and everything he accomplished.
Oh Will! I miss you already. You were light and a shining star to so many. The kids at Lifetime truly loved you- and I remember how many compliments you would get from the parents. You were always looking to make each and every kid's day a little brighter- many times by making cool obstacles courses or some hanging/climbing thing for them to pull on. Your imagination was endless. I will always treasure our chats- you and I had a special bond. I loved finding all the pictures and videos you would take on my phone. I wish for one more call or funny text from you. Fly high my friend- we have got it from here. Until, I see you again! Love you homie. #yourworkmom!
It really hurts to see you go so soon since you were an amazing cousin, practically a brother, to me since our families were so close. All the laughs and memories that were created will be forever remembered. You will always hold a special place in my heart since there is only one amazing Will.
I am so sorry for your loss. God bless you and your family during these difficult times.
So sorry to hear about your loss
He was a special person and brought light everywhere he went . I’m so sorry for ur loss. The world will miss him so.
May your happy memories of your son give you peace and comfort during this challenging time.
My daughter, Katelyn, did the Engine Team at North. William was always around and I remember everyone loving him. He was such a fun kid. I'm so sorry for your loss.
Dear friend, you always so hard on yourself but you never deserved that. Everyone who met you would say that you were the brightest person in the room. You always brought the good out of everyone. You made me see parts of myself that I thought were unworthy. You made me feel loved and cared for and for that I thank you for. You made me feel safe. I wish I could go back in time and enjoy our moments together more closely and not rush through things. You were such Inspiration and kind generous soul that didn't need to be taken from this earth. Will you're a good person and forever and always will be. May god rest your soul and you fly high. I love you as much as my heart can hold. Stay safe on your next journey!
Always and forever my “Little Billy”. I grew up with him, practically attached by the hip. I so badly wished I told him when I saw him last that one of the biggest joys in my life was just enjoying childhood with him and all of the other babies born during the baby boom..everyone was having kids. lol. Good times, the BEST times . It’s unreal to think of a world without him around for it. Not fair. My heart is just broken. I’m gonna miss him forever plus more.
Sending my deepest condolences to the family, praying that God gives everyone strength doing this time in need.
Went to school with Will since 1st grade at Briar Glen all the way into my junior year at GBS. Always had his ways of changing a room’s atmosphere, and never left a room without someone smiling. With a heavy heart, I wish everyone close to him a smooth grieving journey. Will is and will always be in my best childhood memories.
Will and I attended Glen Crest middle school and Glenbard South together we also rode the bus together! I can hear his laugh every time I think about him ! I’m so sad and devasted ! He was such a sweetheart! My condolences to his family! I love you WILL forever and always ❤️ till we meet again bud !!
When I was on the engine team at BNHS, Will was always the most outgoing person in the room. He truly cared about every person he came into contact with, making their life better when he was in it. I’m sending my condolences to Jill and the rest of the family in this sad time.
I talk to you every day and will miss you forever. You were the true love of my life. NaNa