Wendel Burt’s heart and hands reached out far and wide to those things most important to him—people he loved and cared for, organizations with whom he worked and charitable causes he embraced. With his brother, Ron, he founded Burt Brothers Tire & Service in 1991 in Bountiful Utah. Doing what Wendel did best, caring for people, they grew the business from humble beginnings well beyond Wendel’s wildest dreams. Vigorously insisting upon exceptional customer service, Wendel and the Burt Brothers model were featured in such national industry publications as Modern Tire Dealer and Tire Review Magazine. Like treads on tires, he truly left an imprint upon the paths he trod – at home, in his community, at work and at play.
Wendel was well known in the automotive/tire field of business, where he had hundreds upon hundreds of friends. A man of great faith, Wendel lived a life of service above self, demonstrating again and again a belief in a greater good and a world where the golden rule guides the actions of mankind.
A wonderful man - father, grandfather, husband and friend, Wendel Kent Burt, 68, passed away unexpectedly on April 26th, 2023. His family is heartbroken and will miss him forever, but find comfort knowing he died doing what he loved, adventuring outdoors among friends and family.
Wendel was born September 1,1954 in Spokane, Washington to Kent and Hilda Burt, and grew up in Salt Lake City Utah. He was also loved by his brother Ron (Leslie) Burt, and sisters, Terry (Mark) Liddle, & Marilyn (Dave) Beck. He graduated from Cottonwood High School in 1972. He served an LDS mission in Rochester, New York. When he returned home in 1976, he married Debbie VanLeeuwen and together they raised four beautiful children: Jake (Aubry) Burt, Jenica (Josh) Love, Jeremy (Emily) Burt, and Jason (Stefanie) Burt. He then marriedKerry Kastler, December 2014 on the shores of Maui, Hawaii – a place he treasured throughout his life. As they blended their family to include Kerry’s three children – Alyssa Phillips (JT Yanni), Nick (Kim) Phillips, and Brittany Phillips – they also came to know and experience the love Wendel had shared with all. Wendel and Kerry loved to travel and did so often. When at home, they welcomed everyone – friends, family and beyond – with abundant hospitality.
Wendel was loved by more than just family, he was a Bishop in Sandy Utah and was adored by the members he served. Wendel had a special connection with the youth he had the opportunity to serve. He also served as a young men’s leader, and had countless activities that brought everyone together. His kindness resonated with all he came in contact with.
Wendel (endearingly known as “Bompa”) and Kerry are fortunate to share 18 grandchildren, all who adored him -Kenlee, Easton, Colton, Peyton, Sienna, Asher, Lexi, Bodey, Jaxon, Jameson, Rylee, Hudson, Trinity, Tristin, Trey, Dallan, Kaison and Isabella. They all loved to be with him. His hugs and his time spent with them were cherished.
Those who had the chance to interact with Wendel knew how much he cared about them because of the way he made them feel. A man full of smiles and generosity, he could easily light up a room.
Quoting his family, “Dad – until we meet again, keep smiling and let’s make it happen!”
Services honoring Wendel will be held in both Sandy and St. George, Utah. The funeral will be held under the direction of Russon Brothers Mortuary, at the Sandy Utah Granite Stake Center, 2535 E. Newcastle Drive, Sandy, Utah 84093, Saturday, May 6th at 11:00 am where viewing will be held Friday May 5th, from 6:00pm to 8:00pm and again Saturday morning from 9:30am to 10:30am.
A Celebration of Life will be held under the direction of Metcalf Mortuary in St. George, Utah at the home of Wendel and Kerry Burt on Sunday, May 7th from 4:00pm to 7:00pm. Guests are asked to check in at the Stone Cliff guard station, 2550 E. 1450 South. Graveside services will commence Monday at 10:00am at the St. George Tonaquint Cemetery, 1777 S. Dixie Drive.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in memory of Wendel K. Burt to: Make-A-Wish Utah 771 E Winchester Murray, UT 84107 Donors wishing to pay by credit card can go to www.wish.org/utahand click the DONATE NOW button. Or Conserve Southwest Utah at 321 North Mall Drive, Suite 8202, St. George, Utah 84790 or visit www.conserveswu.org.
Services will be streamed live on Russon Mortuary & Crematory Facebook page and this obituary page. The livestream will begin approximately 10 - 15 minutes prior to the service and will be posted below.
The ward will also be providing streaming of the services using the following link https://zoom.us/j/92016079226
