Wendy Jo Naessens

Wendy Jo Naessens of Wheeler, Michigan

Beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend passed away on Tuesday, January 10, 2023, at MyMichigan Medical Center - Midland. She was 62 years old. Wendy Jo Burgess was born on January 2, 1961, in Saginaw, Michigan, to the late Charles and Judith (Trendel) Burgess. She was a proud 1979 graduate of Douglas MacArthur High School. She met the love of her life, William H. Naessens, while working in Merrill. They dated, fell in love, and were united in marriage on September 20, 1986; he survives her. The role of her lifetime was to be a loving and devoted wife and stay-at-home mother. Wendy worked in various custodial and kitchen positions at Breckenridge Community Schools and later as an aide in the emergency room at St. Mary's Hospital. She was an excellent baker, knowing "love" was the secret ingredient needed to make all things taste amazing. Wendy enjoyed crafting, especially sewing, and would often create many beautiful crafts for family, friends, or anyone in need. Her little piece of heaven was sitting on the back deck with her dogs, watching the birds, and feeding her chickens. Wendy will forever be remembered for her kind and generous spirit, for loving everyone selflessly, and for truly living an amazing life filled with many beautiful memories and stories.

Surviving are her husband of 36 years, William Naessens of Wheeler; three children: Craig Seegmiller of Birch Run; Stefanie (Lucas) Studt of Ashley; Sara (Jeff) Huntoon of Breckenridge; three grandchildren: Alexis Reed and her mother, Stephanie Reed of Auburn; Gaby and Connor Studt of Ashley; three brothers: Richard (Jackie) Burgess of Brant; Jeff (Tammy Sulen) Burgess of St. Charles; Steve (Tracie) Burgess of Brant; a sister-in-law: Shelley Burgess of Saginaw. Also surviving are many nieces, nephews, sisters- and brothers-in-law, cousins, extended family, and dear friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Charles and Judith Burgess; a brother, Rob Burgess; and her father- and mother-in-law, William P. and Catherine Naessens.

Honoring Wendy's wishes, cremation has taken place. A Celebration of Wendy's life will take place at 4:00 p.m. on Saturday, January 14, 2023, at the W. L. Case & Company Funeral Chapel, 125 E. Saginaw Street, Merrill. Rev. Julie Bailey will officiate. Friends are welcome to visit with the family at the funeral chapel on Saturday from 1:00 p.m. until the time of the service. Those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider memorials to the American Heart Association. Please share your thoughts and memories with the family at the funeral home or through www.casefuneralhome.com.