Obituary for Glendalu Wuest

Glendalu Wuest, age 88, of Decorah, Iowa, passed away peacefully on May 14, 2026, surrounded by the love of her family and community.

Glendalu Fankhauser was born April 28, 1938, in Mt. Pleasant, Iowa, to Glen and Ina Fankhauser. She graduated from Mt. Pleasant High School with the Class of 1956 and later attended Northeast Missouri State Teachers College, graduating in 1963.

On November 24, 1962, she married Richard Wuest, her devoted husband and partner of more than six decades. Richard preceded her in death in March 2025.

Shortly after their marriage, Glendalu and Richard made their home in Decorah, where they spent 62 years building a life centered on family, service, faith, and community. Glendalu dedicated her professional life to helping others as a speech therapist and as the founding Director of the Winneshiek County Developmental Center in 1974, an organization that later became Spectrum Industries. Her leadership and compassion helped shape opportunities and support systems for countless individuals and families throughout northeast Iowa.

Glendalu was known throughout Decorah for her generous spirit and volunteerism. She devoted herself to many community causes and was active in her church life. She served as a Sunday School teacher, participated in church auxiliary activities, and remained a faithful longtime member of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church. Her warmth, kindness, and genuine interest in others led to countless cherished friendships throughout the Decorah community.

More than anything, Glendalu treasured her family. She is survived by her four children: Scott (Deneen) Wuest, Tracy (Galen) Svestka, Derek (Kathy) Wuest, and KerryDon Wuest. She is also survived by five grandchildren: Lindsi (Rob) Hartsig, Zachary Wuest, Gannon (Chloe) Svestka, Colby Svestka, and Carter Wuest; and two great-granddaughters, Paisley and Lainey Svestka.

Glendalu will be remembered for her compassion, faith, intelligence, and unwavering commitment to helping others. Her life was one of service, friendship, and love, and her legacy will continue in the many lives she touched.

A memorial service will be held at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Decorah, Iowa on June 4, 2026 at 2 p.m. A time of visitation with the family will be held one hour preceding the service and a coffee hour after the service.

The family requests that, in lieu of flowers, memorial donations be made to the WinnMed Auxiliary or the Spectrum Network.