Michael R. Wente

Michael R. Wente, 76, passed away Monday, June 29, 2026, at his home in Teutopolis.

A Memorial Mass will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, July 3, 2026, at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church in Teutopolis. Inurnment in the columbarium at St. Francis Cemetery will follow with military rites. A memorial visitation will be held from 4:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Thursday at the church, with a Knights of Columbus rosary immediately following. Memorial donations may be made to the family, who will use them in accordance with their wishes. Arrangements are in the care of Bauer Funeral Home in Teutopolis.

Michael was born July 5, 1949, in Teutopolis, the son of Richard and Martha (Hartke) Wente. He married Joyce Koester on April 12, 1969. Michael was a lifelong farmer whose strong work ethic and love for the land defined much of his life. He was a member of the Mill Road Thresherman Association and IH Chapter 32, where he enjoyed preserving the history of antique farm equipment and the friendships he made along the way. Michael served in the United States Army during the Vietnam War and remained committed to supporting fellow veterans as a member of Teutopolis American Legion Post 924 and Effingham VFW Post 1769. His faith was an important part of his life, and he was a devoted member of St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church in Teutopolis and the Teutopolis Knights of Columbus.

Michael is survived by his wife of 57 years, Joyce; children, Jenny (Kent) Walden of Mode, Carrie (Scott) Copple of Teutopolis, Nathan (Tammy) Wente of Green Creek, Audrie Wente (significant other, Troy) of Neoga, and Bethanie (Brandon) Nice of Virginia Beach, Virginia; 15 grandchildren; 4 great-grandchildren; siblings, Victoria (David) Draves, Nick (Joyce) Wente, Chris Wente, Patrick (Sharon) Wente, Gloria (Dale) Pruemer, Monica (John) Emmerich, Valentine Wente, and Matthew Wente.

He was preceded in death by his parents; great-grandson, Hutson Westendorf; father and mother-in-law, Louis and Ruth Koester; and brothers-in-law, Charles Koester and Frank Koester.