STEELEVILLE, Ill. -- Merle W. Wente, 90, of Steeleville passed away Saturday, April 26, 2014, at the Sparta Community Hospital in Sparta, Ill.

Merle was born in Steeleville on Nov. 21, 1923, the son of William C. and Ruth Elsey Wente. He entered the United States Army at age 19 and was later transferred to the U.S. Air Corps. He served tours in India and China and was honorably discharged in December 1945. Merle served in New York during the Korean War from 1951 until 1953 as a staff sergeant.

Upon completion of military service, Merle spent his professional life in various management positions with International Shoe Co., Brown Shoe Co. and United Shoe Corp. Upon retirement, Merle returned to his hometown of Steeleville.

He was a member of Kaskaskia VFW Post 3553, Chester, Ill., and the American Legion, BBK Post 480 in Steeleville. As a member of the American Legion for more than 65 years, Merle held numerous positions including post commander and adjutant. He received a certificate of appreciation from his comrades on Veterans Day 2013, and in May 2004, he received an Illinois House of Representatives certificate of recognition in gratitude for service during World War II. Merle chaired the annual Fourth of July celebration in Steeleville for more than 20 years.

Merle was preceded in death by his parents; one brother, Donald Wente; and one sister, Elsie Salger. Survivors include two sisters, Evelyn Brockmeyer of Steeleville and Helen Hurley of Bellaire, Mich.; two sons, James William (Rosalie) Wente of Jackson and David Merle (Marilyn) Wente of Steeleville; three grandchildren, Shawn James Wente and Tonya Rose Wente Ward, both of Jackson, and Jacob William Wente of Steeleville; two great-grandchildren, James Robert Ward and William Charles Ward of Jackson; and several nieces and nephews throughout the United States.

Visitation will be from 5 to 8 p.m. today and 8 a.m. until the time of service Tuesday at St. Mark's Lutheran Church, Steeleville.

Funeral service will be at 11 a.m. Tuesday at the church, with the Revs. Dr. Alan W. Janneke and Kelly Bedard officiating. Burial will be in Steeleville City Cemetery.

Memorials may be given to St. Mark's Lutheran School or Steeleville American Legion Baseball Program.

To sign the guest book visit wilsonsfuneralhome.net.