Wendell H. Bishop

Wendell H. Bishop, 93, of Sioux City, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on April 3, 2021 at a local hospital.  A private family service will be held at 10:00 A.M. Friday, April 9, 2021 at Meyer Brothers Morningside Chapel, followed by a public memorial luncheon and visitation from 11-1:00 P.M. at Meyer Brothers Morningside Chapel.  Online condolences may be made to www.meyerbroschapels.com.

Wendell was born on August 31, 1927 in Maskell, Nebraska to Eugene and Clara (Johnson) Bishop.  In January 1945 he joined the United Stated Army and served until his honorable discharge in 1946.  Wendell attended and graduated barber school in 1948, then the University of Nebraska-Lincoln in 1949, graduating with a degree in Agriculture in 1953.  He was united in marriage in 1957 to Joyce Strawn who in his words was “the most beautiful woman in town.” 

Wendell’s uncanny wit and intelligence lead him to many professional successes.  Throughout the years he was the sales leader for Chevron Oil Company and then went on to build and start both Union Fertilizer Company and Bishop Farms in Elk Point, South Dakota.  Farming was a passion he proudly shared with both his son and grandson. 

Wendell was a member of the Elks and the Morningside Country Club.  He enjoyed spending winters in his Arizona home, playing cards at Bob Roe’s Point After with his many friends, and above all spending quality time with his family who he loved dearly.   

Wendell was a devoted Husker fan, an exceptional golfer, an avid lover of reading and all things sweet (especially chocolate), infamous for driving with a lead foot while remarkably never receiveing a speeding citation, and well known for his inherently distinctive sense of humor. 

Those left to honor his memory include his wife Joyce Bishop; daughter, Shelly Denker, step-son, Mike (Diane) Berke; grandchildren: Brent Denker, Sarah Denker, Carolyn Berke, Brian (Carrie) Berke, and Kristin (Kennith) Noll.  Surviving siblings include his brother, Clair Bishop.   

He is preceded in death by his parents and son, Timothy; sister, Geraldine Utecht and son-in-law, Donald Denker.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be directed to the June E. Nylen Cancer Center in Wendell’s name.

The family would especially like to recognize Mercy One for their care and kindness while providing assistance and support for Wendell.