Armen A. Wedell

Armen A. Wedell, 76, passed away unexpectedly on November 7, 2026, while hunting and spending his final moments surrounded by two of the things he cherished most: the outdoors and his beloved wife of 51 years, Linda. Born on May 27, 1950, in Ripon, Wisconsin, Armen lived a life defined by dedication, hard work, laughter, and above all, family.

At age 17, Armen enlisted in the United States Army and served three years in Germany. After returning home, he worked as a police officer at the Veterans Affairs Hospital in Milwaukee before beginning a 25-year career as a Correctional Counselor with the Federal Bureau of Prisons. He was known throughout his life as someone who took pride in everything he did, approaching each task with dedication, precision, and unmatched attention to detail.

Following retirement at age 48, Armen turned his passion for lawn care and landscaping into a small business. He often liked to remind people, with a grin, that he had been retired longer than he had worked. His perfectly manicured lawn, evenly spaced trees, paver walkways, backyard waterfalls, and gathering spaces reflected the care he invested in creating something beautiful. After spending many years enduring Wisconsin winters, he and his family relocated to Tennessee, first to Crossville and later to Paris, which he proudly called home.

Some of Armen's happiest memories were made hunting up north with friends and sharing his love of the sport with his son. In recent years, he cherished the kindness of a neighbor who welcomed him onto his property to hunt, giving him the opportunity to continue enjoying one of his favorite pastimes close to home. Family gatherings often centered around a campfire, where stories, jokes, and laughter were always part of the evening. Family outings frequently included go-kart races and time spent enjoying nature, adding another chapter to the countless memories he created with those he loved.

An avid fan of Westerns and oldies music, Armen could often tell you not only the year a song was released but also where he was and what he was doing when he first heard it. He enjoyed attending live country music events and golfing alongside Linda. A loyal Packers and Brewers fan, Armen enjoyed following his favorite teams through every season, celebrating the highs and standing by them through the lows. If you spent any time with Armen, you knew there was always a good story to hear and a joke waiting to be shared.

Dogs seemed to find their way to Armen, knowing there was likely a treat waiting in his pocket. Yet perhaps no role brought him more joy than being Grandpa. Whether hosting Easter egg hunts, creating family traditions, playing cards, or simply spending time with his grandchildren, he cherished every opportunity to make memories with them.

Above all, Armen will be remembered as a devoted husband, loving father and grandfather, caring brother and friend, and a man who never missed an opportunity to make those around him smile. His legacy lives on through the family he loved, the memories he created, and the laughter that will continue to echo in the stories shared by those fortunate enough to know him.

Armen is survived by his beloved wife of 51 years, Linda Wedell; his daughter, Rhonda (Dustin) Decker, and their daughters, Shea and Zoey; his daughter, Amber Wedell and her beloved partner, Colin Sairio; his son, Cory (Andrea) Wedell, and their children, Joshua, Oriana, and Melaney; his sister, Marlene (Ron) Netzler; his brother, Ron Wedell; his sister, Edith Wachholz; and his brother-in-law, Don Keske.

Armen was preceded in death by his parents, Ervin and Lillian Wedell; his mother-in-law, Pat Baier; his fathers-in-law, Don Keske Sr. and William Baier; and his brothers, Eugene Wedell and Wayne Wedell, who undoubtedly welcomed him with open arms.

In keeping with Armen's wishes and love for the outdoors, a Celebration of Life with Military Funeral Honors will be held at Hope Lutheran Cemetery in Wautoma, Wisconsin, during the early spring. The family will share service details as they become available.

In lieu of flowers, the family invites you to honor Armen's memory by spending time with loved ones, sharing stories around a campfire, or lending a helping hand to someone in need.