Monte William Wendt

Monte William Wendt, 69, Fairbanks, died June 20, 2012.

He was a 48-year veteran truck driver, driving the haul road to Prudhoe Bay from the beginning of the pipeline construction until October 2011.

Upon the discovery of crude oil on the North Slope and after a brief hiatus from Alaska, Monte packed up his young family and returned, settling in Wasilla in the early 1970s. By the early 1980s, Monte and his family had relocated to Knights Ferry, Calif., where they successfully operated a general store, restaurant and bar.

He returned to Alaska in the mid-1980s, where he remained until his death. Monte was a truck driver by occupation and loved his job.

Preceding him in death were his younger brother, Ron Wendt (Bonnie); and his father, Albert Wendt, both of Wasilla. Because of their trust in and acceptance of Jesus Christ as their savior, all three are together in heaven along with their Heavenly Father.

Surviving are his wife, Lori of Fairbanks; mother, Jeanne Wendt of Wasilla; daughter, Sherry Lynn Arbuckle of Kenai; sons and spouses, Michael and Hayley Wendt, and Anthony and Julie Wendt, all of Fairbanks; brother, Pat (Alicia) Wendt of Anchorage; sister, Colleen Wendt (Bob Dettmer) of Forest Lake, Minn.; sister, Bev Wendt (Brad) Vadner of Wasilla; grandchildren, Timberlynn and Hatcher, both of Fairbanks; as well as many nieces and nephews.

Arrangements were entrusted to Chapel of Chimes Funeral Home in Fairbanks.