William Henry Pendell

William Henry Pendell, Jr. was born July 30, 1909 in Saginaw, the son of the late William H. and Marguerite Crego Pendell. In 1928 he graduated from Saginaw High School, where he earned eight letters in athletics. Hank then attended the University of Michigan, graduating with a BA degree. He was a member of the Chi Phi fraternity and Sphinx, the junior class honorary society. He was a life member of the U of M Alumni club and the Lettermen’s M Club. He married Greta E. Krauss on September 9, 1939 and they enjoyed 61 years of marriage. Surviving are his daughters Penny (Sandy) Liu and Susan (Tony) Johnson, his grandson Mike (Kelly) Brady and one great-granddaughter, Shea. A son, William Henry Pendell III, died in infancy. A brother Richard Pendell, a sister Martha Kadey, and a sister-in-law and her husband, Teddie and Les Freidinger, predeceased him. His sister-in-law, Shirley Pendell, and a brother-in-law, Jack Kadey, also survive him. Mr. Pendell entered the insurance field, joining Penn Mutual Insurance Company; he retired in 1998, culminating 65 years of service. He was a charter member of the Life Leaders of Michigan and served as president from 1968 – 1969. He received the organization’s humanitarian award and after 50 years of membership, was made an honorary life member. Hank served as president of the Saginaw Life Underwriters Association, and was a member of the Michigan State Life Underwriters, as well as the National Association of Life Underwriters .He qualified for the prestigious Million Dollar Round Table in 1947 and became a life member in 1949, the first Saginaw insurance agent to achieve this honor. After 50 years of membership, Hank was made an honorary life member. Mr. Pendell received his Chartered Life Underwriter Degree in 1960 from the American College of Life Underwriters and also received the college’s National Quality Award for 50 years of service. A licensed life insurance counselor, Hank was also a charter member and director of the Michigan Estate Planning Council. Mr. Pendell served in the United States Army during World War II. An active member of First Congregational Church, he was a past member of the Board of Trustees. In 1949 he served as an incorporator and charter member for the Saginaw County Health and Welfare Fund, serving two terms as secretary. Hank was a member of the Saginaw Country Club, Saginaw Club, Saginaw Valley Torch Club and a past member of the Germania Country Club and The Lions Club. As a member of the University of Michigan Alumni Club of Saginaw, he served as past president; he was also active in the United Fund and Community Chest campaigns. He was an ardent golfer, world traveler, restaurant connoisseur and bon vivant. Services and burial will be held in Saginaw, Michigan. Memorial donations may be made to the Susan G. Komen for the Cure, 5005 LBJ Fwy, Ste. 250, Dallas, Texas 75244 or to the Saginaw Community Foundation, 100 South Jefferson, Suite 201, Saginaw, Michigan 48607. Farley Funeral Home in Venice is handling the arrangements. To send condolences visit www.farleyfuneralhome.com.