Published on February 2, 2026 4:54 pm
Last Updated on February 3, 2026 3:18 pm
Allen D. Wente, 79, of Effingham, IL, passed away on Saturday, January 31, 2026 at Barnes-Jewish Hospital in St. Louis, MO, surrounded by family.
Funeral services will be held at 12:00 Noon on Friday, February 6, 2026 at Johnson Funeral Home in Effingham. Burial will be in St. Anthony Cemetery in Effingham with military rites. Visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 Noon on Friday, February 6, 2026 prior to the service at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers and gifts, memorials may be made to Land of Lincoln Honor Flight, D.A.V., and the 75th Ranger Regiment Association. Online condolences may be shared at www.johnsonandsonsfh.com.
Allen was born on September 3, 1946, in Effingham County, IL, the son of Virgil and Eileen (Ohnesorge) Wente. He married Marilyn Worman on September 20, 1969, and she survives. He was also a devoted husband, unconditional loving father, and proud grandfather. Allen graduated from Effingham High School in 1964 and then served in the United States Army during Vietnam from 1966 to 1967. He was a proud veteran and was always honored to share his story. In his 50 years as a proud, union brick mason, he helped build many of the buildings around town. Allen wasn’t afraid of trying anything and dove deeply into his hobbies over the years. He was an avid fisherman, fishing tournaments in his younger days. Allen enjoyed motorcycles, riding enduro, motocross, and street on a BMW. He also was a skilled woodworker, selling his works at artisan fairs in the area, and was an avid car enthusiast who enjoyed restoring cars. He was especially proud of his ’69 Mustang. He also enjoyed riding horses in Shawnee and greatly valued his friendships.
Allen is survived by his loving wife of 56 years, Marilyn Wente of Effingham; son, Travis Wente (Jamie) of Effingham; granddaughter, Alex BonDurant (Dana) of Angola, IN; sister, Pam Wente of Sparta; brother, Brent Wente (Robin) of Satellite Beach, FL; half-siblings, Leslie Reed and Linda Ryder; and several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, David Wente; and half-siblings, Nancy Arnold and Larry Reed.