Wendell was born on October 6, 1919, at the family home, north of Grinnell to Ralph and Emma McIlrath Claybrook. He married Mildred Onthank in Lancaster, Missouri on February 28, 1942. Wendell was a farmer/rancher, but his special interest was being a rodeo producer and a security and livestock control person at the Iowa State Fair for over 55 years. He bused handicap people from Poweshiek County to Marshalltown and he also worked for Cargill Seed Corn Company for several years. Wendell owned and operated the Grinnell Livestock Exchange and the Oskaloosa Sale Barn. Wendell and Mildred operated various restaurants at New Sharon, Oskaloosa and Grinnell. Survivors include his sisters, Evelyn (Arthur) Osborn of Grinnell, Freda (Jerry) Ahrens of Marshalltown; his brother, Duane (Jeanette) Claybrook of Omaha, Texas; several nieces and nephews and special friends and caregiver, Norma Farrington of Montezuma. Wendell was preceded in death by his parents; his wife in 1995; and infant son, Lonnie. Memorials may be directed to PALS, P.O. Box 123, Grinnell, Iowa 50112.