VAN DYNE (WLUK) — A staple on the western shore of Lake Winnebago is closing. Wendt’s on the Lake restaurant will close Nov. 21, Shawn Wendt announced in a news release Friday. Wendt’s Marina will remain open. Wendt says he and his wife have been negotiating with relatives to buy the property, but those negotiations have been unsuccessful. “We have had to make a difficult decision because there is a lot of deferred maintenance and repair that needs to be updated on the property,” Wendt said. “We wanted everyone to know we gave it our all.” Wendt’s on the Lake is a destination during February sturgeon hunting season on Lake Winnebago. It’s not unusual to see harpooned sturgeons hanging from hooks outside the restaurant while successful spearmen celebrate inside. “Everyone in our community will be affected by the closure: the West Shore Fishing Club, Sturgeon For Tomorrow, Water & Wings Youth Foundation, Lake Watchers, Van Dyne Lions Club, Van Dyne Fire Department and many more organizations,” Wendt wrote.
