Wendell Toolson Hurren, 86, passed away in the Logan Regional Hospital from medical complications on Friday, April 22, 2005.

Wendell was born June 21, 1918, in Hyde Park, Utah, to James William and Ingra Toolson Hurren.

The third of five children, he grew up in Smithfield and graduated from North Cache High School. He served in the Western States LDS Mission. With the outbreak of WWII, Wendell joined the army. Serving under General Patton in the Third Army and was on the frontlines in Africa, Sicily, and Italy. He was wounded in Venefro, Italy. After five major surgeries and 15 months in the hospital, he received the Purple Heart.

On April 17, 1944, Wendell married the love of his life, Martha Nielsen, in the Logan LDS Temple. After their marriage he pursued his career as a farmer. He enjoyed all types of farming-cattle, dry farming, and dairy-and bought and sold farms in Utah and Idaho. He also worked in real estate.

Wendell and Martha were family-centered. They are the parents of six daughters and one son. His children and their spouses are: Margo and Larry Anhder, Nibley; Jay and Kenna Hurren, Weston, Idaho; Annette and Doug Boyle, Orem; Glee and Larry Petersen, Richmond; Alice and Kurtis Saunders, Smithfield; Venna and Kevin Barrett, St. George; and Joyce and Dale Jones, Centerville. He has 37 grandchildren and 46 great-grandchildren.

Wendell has always been active in community and church affairs. He served on the Cache County Zoning and Planning Board, Lewiston City Council, and Farm Bureau President. His church service included various positions on the ward and stake basis.

Wendell has devoted much of his time to temple work and served as an officiator. Since his early missionary days he has been committed to missionary work and he and Martha served in the SLC Temple Square Mission. He loved to travel and enjoyed the people as well as the sights.

He will be remembered as a peacemaker with a cheery disposition and and a ready joke. Music was one of his great loves and he was always humming, whistling, or singing. He also liked to read. Music and learning were essential elements of the Hurren household.

Martha, his wife, preceded him in death in 1995.

Funeral services will be held at 12 noon on Monday, May 2, 2005 in the Hyrum 10th Ward Chapel with Bishop Douglas Bingham conducting. Friends may call at the Allen-Hall Mortuary on Sunday evening from 6:00 to 8:00 PM and prior to services on Monday from 10:30 to 11:30 AM. Burial will be in the Hyrum City Cemetery.