Wendy Gay Fodness

Wendy G. Fodness, 67, of Albert Lea passed away on Tuesday, June 16, 2026 at her home. She was born January 24, 1959, the youngest daughter of James "Jim" S. and Priscilla O. (Loken) Fodness. In 1989, Wendy joyously welcomed the birth of her son Renn Fodness.

Her big kind heart was always willing to help others. Wendy loved being a mother to her son, caring for family, friends, and animals. She found nature to be her relaxing happy place and in recent years had started fishing again with Renn, making the activity extra special. She would dig for worms in her backyard for their adventures. Wendy was her mother's kind and patient primary caregiver in her final years. Wendy and Renn worked together on numerous garden and landscaping projects together over the years.

She adored all animals and was the proverbial "cat lady". Helping injured and orphaned birds, a opossum, dogs, and a baby squirrel - that would come to "talk" with her after it was old enough to be released. Wendy worked to find homes for stray cats and provide food and winter shelter to feral cats. She rode horses from a young age and later had a beautiful appaloosa horse named Feather. She raised laying chickens for years, naming all of them - many after family members, and using an old school bus as a coop. In the 1990's, Wendy raised Angora rabbits and spun their fur into yarn.

In the 1970's, she lived in the cites for a few years, staying first with her oldest sister and her husband and then with sister Shari. While living there, she had first pet as an adult, cat Sky, who got lost in Minneapolis for over a month, amazingly finding her way back but returning pregnant. Wendy had Sky and daughter Fay for over 20 years.

Wendy loved a good cup of coffee and baking pies for family and friends, including making her mom's rhubarb crunch pie from fresh garden rhubarb.

She was an avid gardener of flowering plants, hostas, vegetables, herbs, and trees. Working at the garden store was one of her favorite jobs.

Like two of her older sister's, Wendy attended Austin Junior college where she earned her associates degree. She worked as a para professional in the classroom and often worked at Hills and other garden centers and floral shops. She also worked with animals in the Twin Cities for several years.

She was very interested in nature, indigenous American history, and natural healing. She enjoyed the woods and fields with her son and a friend, hunting for artifacts and wild ginseng. Wendy loved music, at a young age she taught herself to play the piano by ear. In later years she played the guitar, enjoying family and played the guitar, enjoying family and friends sing-a-longs.

Wendy was an artist, who especially loved to paint. She painted on canvas, wood, ceramic, mirrors, and murals - both professionally and just for the creative enjoyment. Over the years, her dad made many wood animal cutouts of cows, rabbits, fish, and dolphins that she had fun painting for gifts. They also made hundreds of wooden bird houses to sell, a handful of which Wendy painted. Like all the women in her family, Wendy also liked to sew, making clothing, quilts, and fun craft projects like leather horses.

Her family and friends are so grateful to have been a part of her life and will miss her dearly.

Wendy is survived by her son, Renn Fodness; sisters, Linda Lawler, Vicki Petersen; nieces & nephew, Erin (Robert) Plumb, Sean (Jacalyn Jenssen) Lawler, Megan Lawler; cousins, Dan, Dave, Mike & Linda Slinde, Bonnie Carr, Alan Schallock, Diane (Scott) Aysta, Patty (Dave) Irons, Karen (Allen) Baldwin, James (Debbie) Jahnke, Beth Ann Wilson, and Keith, Carol, Kent, & Chris Myhre.

She was preceded in death by her parents, James and Priscilla Fodness; sister, Shari Fodness; brother-in-laws, John Lawler, Jim Petersen; aunts & uncles, Eldora & Udene Slinde, Opal & Bill Schallock, Betty Jahnke, Avis & Chuck Lehman, and Gladys & Nels Sorenson, Ruth & Fritz Rauen, Alice & Dale Myhre, Edna & Clifford, Annette Bond, Marvin, Raymond, Franklin, Harry, and Johnny Fodness; cousins, Gregory Schallock, Darryl, Tom, Dean, & Mary Slinde, LoAnn & John Swelander, Floyd Fodness.

In keeping with Wendy's and the families wishes, no public services will be held. She can be honored with donations to Camp Compassion or the Humane Society. Bonnerup Funeral & Cremation has been entrusted with the arrangements.