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NEGAUNEE, MI – Debbie Sue Hodge-Wendt, 63, peaced out from UP Health System – Marquette on a rainy Sunday, September 20, 2026, just like she hoped for.
Debbie was born on April 8, 1963, in Ishpeming, Michigan, to Wilbur (Neil) and Lillian (Moyle) Hodge, right after her twin sister, Mary. She grew up in Palmer as the youngest of six kids and was a 1981 graduate of Negaunee High School.
While hanging around in Gwinn, Debbie met Larry Wendt, a Gwinn native and Air Force Airman who was stationed at KI Sawyer. Debbie and Larry were married on December 9, 1989. The love they shared was second to none. They were best friends who truly cherished one another. Debbie perfectly countered Larry's goofy sense of humor with an occasional eye roll or "as if." They filled the next 36 years of marriage with concerts, trips, good food, Packers games, family, and more laughs than you could count. Being a military wife, she took her family to Knob Noster, Missouri and Warner Robins, Georgia, but they returned to Negaunee in 2004 and have remained there since.
Debbie loved crafting and was known for sending her handmade cards for birthdays and holidays. She enjoyed gathering with the card club for many years. Debbie kept an ever-evolving and personally curated home which was filled with craft supplies, candles, art, Amazon packages, neatly-folded blankets, the coziest furniture, lovingly cared for plants, and pictures of her family. She also loved keeping a cute yard filled with seasonal décor, flowers, more plants, and bird feeders. Deb absolutely loved decorating for the seasons and holidays, right down to her salt and pepper shakers. She was a thoughtful and generous gift giver and thoroughly enjoyed putting her personal touch on things with something handmade. She loved the UP, shopping, going to Hobby Lobby, putting some tunes on, hiking, snowshoeing, bike riding, taking cruises, and beachin' it. She lived to visit her grandkids and son.
Despite a difficult 18 months following her late-stage lung cancer diagnosis, Debbie remained upbeat, positive, and determined to show up to fight. Her unbreakable spirit kept her going through it all, and her unshakeable optimism in the face adversity was an inspiration to all fortunate enough to be in her life. And right until the end, in true Deb fashion, she left nothing unsaid and left all her grievances right here on this earth.
Debbie was a quietly reliable person. Though she had a tough exterior, she had the biggest of hearts. She selflessly took in and took care of others at many different points in her life. She was always the one doing the dishes, volunteering to help, or lending an ear or a hand. The void left by her absence will be impossible to fill.
Debbie had many people awaiting her arrival. Amongst them are her parents, Wilbur "Neil" and Lillian Hodge; her brother, William "Garf" Hodge; her sister, Faye (Hodge) Holmi; her father-in-laws, Larry Wendt and John Tessaro; and brother-in-law, Terril Blue.
Survivors include her husband, Larry Wendt of Negaunee; daughter, Lari Lee Wendt of Negaunee and son, Brandin Wendt, of Peletier, North Carolina; her grandchildren whom she loved with her whole heart: Carter, Cooper, and Amelia Wendt, and their mother, Jessica; sisters Donna (Jim) Strongman, Mary (Jim) Shivley; brother David (Diana) Hodge; mother-in-law Jill Tessaro; sisters-in-law Jodie Blue and Traci Wendt; and brother-in-law Fred Holmi. She was "Aunty Debbie" to her favorite nieces, Katie (Sam) Marks and Neily (Chace) Perry and their children, Kenley, Adley, and Blakeley Marks, Ivan and Jade Proctor, and Braxton Perry. She was also a best friend to Sharon "Cruella" Trewhella - Deb would probably tell you if she could that she one-upped you.
Our family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the cancer center staff, particularly NP Laura St. Onge. Also to the 6th floor staff at UPHSM; to Drs. Chris and Joe Steele; Drs. Karulf, Meehan, and Lehman; NP Danielle Sandstrom; Dr. Amanda Benson; ICU NPs Toni Harnett, Kim Bonetti, and Liz Houghton; the respiratory therapy staff; and ICU RNs Mike, Liz, Hunter, Lindsay with an A, and Lindsey with an E – your love, patience, and kindness got all of us through. We are eternally grateful.
Private services will be held. Debbie will be buried in the Negaunee Cemetery. A celebration of Deb's life is in the works and will be held next year. An announcement will be forthcoming.
In lieu of flowers or plants, please consider making a donation in Debbie's name to Project Jade at www.projectjade.org or via mail to Project Jade, 1725 Cindy St, Ishpeming, MI 49849.