STEELEVILLE – Irma B. Wente, 96, of Steeleville, Illinois, passed away into her eternal home December 28, 2020, at the Randolph County Care Center in Sparta, Illinois.

Irma was born the seventh of nine children to Fritz and Anna Brockmeyer on the family farm, south of Steeleville, on March 14, 1924.  She was baptized Irma Anna Sophie Claria Brockmeyer at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Wine Hill, Illinois where she was confirmed in 1938.  Irma and Merle W. Wente were married December 30, 1945 at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Wine Hill.  Together, they had two sons, James William Wente (Rosalie Ruehmkorff) of Jackson, Missouri, and David Merle Wente (Marilyn Buescher) of Steeleville, Illinois.

Irma was a member of St. Mark's Lutheran Church, Steeleville, IL, and B.B.K. American Legion Post No. 480 Auxiliary for over 70 years.  She was very patriotic and enjoyed having family and friends as guests to her home on Broadway Street celebrating Steeleville's Fourth of July Parade and activities.

Irma is survived by James, Rosalie, David, and Marilyn; Grandson Shawn (Shannon) Wente; Granddaughter, Tonya (Rob) Ward; and Grandson, Jacob (Lesley) Wente; three Great Grandsons, James Robert Ward, William Charles Ward, and Brantley James Wente; and many nieces and nephews throughout the United States.

Irma was preceded in death by her parents; siblings, Raymond, Alfred, Fritz, Leroy and Irwin Brockmeyer; and sisters, Frieda Winkelman, Olinda Schulze, and Leona Cicka.

Private Services will be held Thursday, December 31, 2020, at St. Mark's Lutheran Church, Steeleville, IL with Reverend Mark Harriss officiating.  Burial will follow at the St. Paul's Lutheran Cemetery, Wine Hill.  Visitation will be held at the church on Thursday, December 31, 2020 from 10 am until 11 am.  Memorials may be given to St. Paul's Cemetery Fund and can be mailed to Wilson Funeral Home, P.O. Box 217, Steeleville, IL  62288.  To sign the guestbook visit www.wilsonsfuneralhome.net .  Due to executive order, face masks must be worn, and social guidelines must be followed.