Gene Wellendorf

Gene H Wellendorf

June 21, 1930 – March 5, 2025

WELLENDORF, Gene H. Beloved husband of the late V. Diane Wellendorf (nee Dee), dear father of Dave Wellendorf (Robin Ruebusch) and Lori Guban. Loving grandfather of Jill (Kevin) Hodapp, Andy (Vanessa) Wellendorf, Brad (Ashley) Wellendorf, Lauren (Mark) McCain, Katie (Nick Botuchis) Guban, cherished grandfather of Wes and Jack Wellendorf, Caroline and Charlie Hodapp, Rose and Alice Wellendorf, and Everly and Noelle McCain. Passed away March 5, 2025, at age 94. His sister, Alberta Bihlman, and brother-in-law, Ron Bihlman, preceded him in death and he is survived by many loving nieces and nephews.

Gene was a devoted family man, always giving freely and generously of his time, talent, and treasures to all who crossed his path. He was extremely kind-hearted and thoroughly enjoyed spending time with family and friends, most notably attending his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren’s school and sporting events.

He particularly enjoyed sailing, golf, swimming, classic roadsters, gardening, watching the Cincinnati Reds, and could fix and build anything that he wanted to or was asked to help with.

Gene grew up on Eastern Ave, attending St Rose School through eighth grade, then Purcell High School – graduating in 1948. He often spoke of spending his childhood on the Ohio River – “surfing” behind the paddle boats such as the Delta Queen with his childhood friends. He served his country in the Air Force during the Korean War, then remained in California for college, studying architecture. He returned to Cincinnati in the mid-1950’s and spent his entire career as an architect draftsman working for John VanRange, LP Cotter and Associates (later Gallagher Craig and Associates), and eventually retiring from Mercy Hospital Anderson in 1995. He participated in either design or field construction support for many local Catholic Churches and hospitals and functioned as field architect for Riverfront Stadium.

He remained extremely active after his retirement, including putting an addition on his home and assisting with rehabbing and designing both of his children’s homes. He was driving up until a few months of his passing – at age 94 ½. His greatest joy in life was undoubtedly his wife, children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren and he will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

Visitation to be at Hodapp Funeral Home, 6041 Hamilton Ave, College Hill, 45224, Sunday March 9 from 3-5 PM. Mass of Christian Burial on Monday March 10 at St Dominic Church, 4551 Delhi Rd, Cincinnati, OH 45238 at 10 AM with burial immediately following at St Joseph New Cemetery, 4500 Foley Rd, Cincinnati, OH 45238.