Donald James Wente, 88, of Effingham, passed away on Monday, March 28, 2022.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 am Saturday, April 2, 2022, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Effingham with burial in Saint Francis Cemetery in Teutopolis. Visitation will be held from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm Friday evening at Bauer Funeral Home in Effingham. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Sacred Heart Catholic School or Church in Effingham.

Don was born on May 19, 1933, in Effingham, Illinois. He grew up on his parent's farm and graduated from Teutopolis High School in 1951. He enlisted in the United States Army in 1953 and served until he was honorably discharged in 1955. After leaving the Army, he enrolled at Indiana State University, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in accounting in 1959.  After graduation, Don returned to the Effingham area and married Rosalie Hardiek on October 10, 1959, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church.

Don spent over 30 years at Illinois Guarantee Savings Bank, retiring in 1995 as Bank President.  Over his career, he enjoyed working with the many customers of the bank along with his involvement in the Effingham Rotary Club.  He also served as President of several Savings & Loan Association Leagues throughout his career.

After retirement, Don and Rosalie moved back to the country where he devoted more time to his love of being outdoors and gardening.  Whether it was planting a vegetable garden, caring for his prized roses, or even just pulling weeds, he loved digging in the dirt.  This passion prompted Don to train to become a Master Gardener through the University of Illinois Extension.

Don was an avid basketball fan. He remained a proud Teutopolis High School Alumni and Basketball Letterman even holding on to his THS Basketball Season Tickets for over 30 years. As his family grew, he especially loved watching his grandchildren's games.

Don enjoyed spending time with family and loved hosting outdoor cookouts and bonfires.  He was a fierce competitor who never turned down an opportunity to play a game of cards.

He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend to all who knew and loved him. Left behind to cherish his memory include his wife of sixty-two years, Rosalie Hardiek Wente; children, Steve (Linda) Wente of Mattoon; Susan (Pat) Sharick of Savoy; Jill (Rick) Ratchford of Spring, TX; David (Jody) Wente of Glen Carbon, IL; Amy (Brian) Peyres of Bloomington; Brian (Nicole) Wente of Gurnee, IL; eleven grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren; Siblings, Wayne (Linda) Wente; Jerry (Karen) Wente; and Art (Mary Rose Hoene) Wente.  Don was preceded in death by his son, Kevin Wente; his brother, Leroy (Jeannine-deceased) Wente; his sister Mary Lou Wente (Ted-deceased) Esker; as well as his parents, Walter Wente and Harriett Springer Wente.