Independence - Wendell William Circus, 75 years old, of rural Independence, Iowa, died on Thursday, April 1, 2010, at his home of a sudden illness. He was born in Independence, Iowa, on October 7, 1934, the son of James William and Helen Lucille (Stiefel) Circus. He graduated from high school in Independence, Iowa, with the Class of 1952. He served in the Naval Reserve. On May 6, 1954, he and the former Alice Lillian Harrington were married in Independence, Iowa. She preceded him in death in 1983. On December 31, 1990, he and the former Rosemary Cecilia Gibson were married in rural Independence, Iowa. Mr. Circus farmed in Buchanan County, Iowa. He also was a machinist for the John Deer Co. in Waterloo for 42 years before retiring. He was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Independence, the Black Angus Association, the Buchanan County Cattlemen’s Association, and the Farm Bureau.

Mr. Circus is survived by his wife, Rosemary, 1 daughter, Cindy (Gary) Waters of Independence, Iowa, 2 step daughters, Julie (Billy) Abel of Springfield, Missouri, and Linda Sue (Marty) May of West Memphis, Arkansas, and 1 step son, Wade Gibson of West Memphis, Arkansas. He is also survived by 2 granddaughters, Allison (Jeremy) Johnson of Ames, Iowa, and Katherine Waters of Independence, Iowa, 4 step grandchildren, 2 great granddaughters, 2 step great grandchildren, and 2 sisters, Luella Mae Kreuthmeir of Aurora, Colorado, and Donna Dee (Terry) Knipfer of Crossville, Tennessee.

In addition to his first wife, he was preceded in death by his parents and 1 son, Michael, in infancy.

Funeral Services were held at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, April 6, 2010, at the First United Methodist Church in Independence, Iowa, with Rev. Sheri Andersen officiating. Burial was in Mt. Hope Cemetery in Independence.

A Memorial Fund has been established for the First United Methodist Church in Independence.