McKenna Rose Wendel

Our precious McKenna Rose was called home to heaven on March 14, 2026.

Funeral services will take place on Thursday, March 26, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at The Church of the Good Shepherd. Family will gather for a wake service and visitation at Heritage Funeral Home on Wednesday, March 25, 2026.  A short prayer service to begin at 3:30 p.m. followed by visitation from 4:00-6:00 p.m.

McKenna Rose Wendel was born on January 30, 2012, to Marisa Wendel in Sioux Falls, where she was raised by her grandparents, Ralph and Rose Wendel.

From a young age, it was apparent McKenna had a vibrant personality and a zest for life. She loved being outdoors — climbing trees, playing in the park, and riding her bike. She could often be found digging in the dirt looking for critters or catching tadpoles to bring home as pets.

McKenna loved animals. She spent a great deal of time trying to convince her grandma that they should adopt lizards, frogs, and any other little creature that caught her eye. They finally settled on two hermit crabs and a sheepadoodle named Iris. When her hermit crabs passed away, she held a funeral for them and had her Papa make a cross for their burial.

McKenna and her grandparents often attended Pow-wows together. She loved the singing and the beautiful sounds of the drums.

McKenna's grandparents' home was filled with family, laughter, and love — a home base for all the kids and grandkids. McKenna was a devoted big sister, and her siblings cherished every moment spent with her.

Entering junior high, McKenna played volleyball and basketball. She made friends easily, her closest friend being Aaliyah. McKenna and Aaliyah loved their sleepovers, spending time making dance videos, listening to music, and watching the sunset. McKenna's friends adored her quick wit, her encouraging words, and her ability to light up even the quietest of rooms.

McKenna's sweet, gentle nature and her fun sense of humor will be cherished and greatly missed. She was the center around which her grandparents' lives revolved. She touched the hearts and lives of all who knew her.

McKenna is survived by her grandparents, Ralph and Rose Wendel; her mother, Marisa Wendel; her siblings, Kinsley and Roman; her cousin, Warner Wendel; her uncle, Drake, and his two children, Alayona and Kenai.