STEELEVILLE - Merle W. Wente, 90, of Steeleville, passed away at 8:50 am, Saturday, April 26, 2014 at the Sparta Community Hospital in Sparta, Illinois. Merle was born in Steeleville, Illinois on November 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 of 1945. Merle served in New York during the Korean War from 1951 until 1953 as a Staff Sgt. Upon completion of military service, Merle spent his professional life in various management positions with International Shoe Company, Brown Shoe Company and United Shoe Corporation. Upon retirement, Merle returned to his home town of Steeleville, Illinois. He was a member of Kaskaskia VFW Post 3553, Chester, IL and the American Legion, BBK Post 480 in Steeleville, IL. As a member of the American Legion for over 65 years, Merle held numerous positions including Post Commander and Adjutant. He received a Certificate of Appreciation from his comrades on Veteran's 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, IL for over 20 years Merle was preceded in death by his parents; one brother, Donald Allen Wente; and one sister, Elsie Salger. Survivors include two sisters, Evelyn Brockmeyer of Steeleville, IL and Helen Hurley of Bellaire, Michigan; two sons, James William (Rosalie) Wente of Jackson, MO and David Merle (Marilyn) Wente of Steeleville; three grandchildren, Shawn James Wente and Tonya Rose Wente Ward both of Jackson, MO and Jacob William Wente of Steeleville, IL; two great grandchildren, James Robert Ward and William Charles Ward of Jackson, MO and several nieces and nephews throughout the United States. Funeral service will be at 11:00 am, Tuesday, April 29, 2014 at the St. Mark's Lutheran Church, Steeleville with Rev. Dr. Alan W. Janneke and Rev. Kelly Bedard officiating. Burial will follow in Steeleville City Cemetery. Visitation will be at St. Mark's Lutheran Church, Steeleville, where friends may call from 5 pm until 8 pm Monday and on Tuesday from 8 am until the hour of service. Memorials may be given to St. Mark's Lutheran School or Steeleville American Legion Baseball Program.