Harold John Wente
Harold John Wente, 91, formerly of Denver, IA, passed away peacefully on Monday evening, June 19, 2023 at Grand Haven Memory Care in Eldridge, Iowa.
Harold was born on January 9, 1932 in Waterloo, Iowa, the son of Lavern and Esther (Guenther) Wente. He graduated from Denver High School in 1950. Harold was united in marriage to Marilyn Margaret Sassmann at St. Paul’s Evangelical and Reformed Church on September 29, 1951. He was employed for many years at the Denver Feed Mill. Together, he and Marilyn farmed and raised Angus cattle, Suffolk sheep and chickens in rural Denver on the family’s Century Farm until they moved to town. While on the farm, he had the most pride in, and got the most enjoyment from, raising his sheep. A set of triplets shown by his son, Larry, at the Bremer County 4-H Fair, earned “Grand Champion Pen of 3” and “Samantha” received “Grand Champion Market Lamb.” Once in town, he began to grow beautiful rose bushes and lovingly tended them. In his later years, he worked for Schumacher Funeral Home in Denver and in management at Kurtt’s Jack and Jill until his retirement. The couple then spent many happy years traveling the United States by car or bus tour. After 70 years of marriage, Marilyn passed away from COVID on October 7, 2021. Harold then moved to Grand Haven Assisted Living in Eldridge to be closer to family.
Harold was a longtime member of St. Peter’s Lutheran Church in Denver where he served for many years in several areas, including management of the church cemetery and grounds and also operating the church’s sound system. He was an avid St. Louis Cardinals fan and enjoyed attending University of Iowa women’s basketball games with Marilyn for many years. One of the last things he watched on television was them playing in the NCAA 2023 Tournament.
Harold is survived by a daughter, Susan (Paul) Kalainoff of Eldridge, Iowa, a son, Larry (Janet) Wente of Katy, Texas, five grandchildren: Nick and Eric Kalainoff, Melissa Wright, Jessica Sucupira, Jared Annear and 11 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, a daughter, Nancy Wente, and a granddaughter, Jennifer Wente.
A memorial visitation with the family will be held from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. on Friday, June 30, 2023 at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church in Denver. A graveside burial service will follow at the St. Peter’s Lutheran Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please direct memorials to St. Peter’s Lutheran Church Cemetery in Denver.
Harold was born on January 9, 1932 in Waterloo, Iowa, the son of Lavern and Esther (Guenther) Wente. He graduated from Denver High School in 1950. Harold was united in marriage to Marilyn Margaret Sassmann at St. Paul’s Evangelical and Reformed Church on September 29, 1951. He was employed for many years at the Denver Feed Mill. Together, he and Marilyn farmed and raised Angus cattle, Suffolk sheep and chickens in rural Denver on the family’s Century Farm until they moved to town. While on the farm, he had the most pride in, and got the most enjoyment from, raising his sheep. A set of triplets shown by his son, Larry, at the Bremer County 4-H Fair, earned “Grand Champion Pen of 3” and “Samantha” received “Grand Champion Market Lamb.” Once in town, he began to grow beautiful rose bushes and lovingly tended them. In his later years, he worked for Schumacher Funeral Home in Denver and in management at Kurtt’s Jack and Jill until his retirement. The couple then spent many happy years traveling the United States by car or bus tour. After 70 years of marriage, Marilyn passed away from COVID on October 7, 2021. Harold then moved to Grand Haven Assisted Living in Eldridge to be closer to family.
Harold was a longtime member of St. Peter’s Lutheran Church in Denver where he served for many years in several areas, including management of the church cemetery and grounds and also operating the church’s sound system. He was an avid St. Louis Cardinals fan and enjoyed attending University of Iowa women’s basketball games with Marilyn for many years. One of the last things he watched on television was them playing in the NCAA 2023 Tournament.
Harold is survived by a daughter, Susan (Paul) Kalainoff of Eldridge, Iowa, a son, Larry (Janet) Wente of Katy, Texas, five grandchildren: Nick and Eric Kalainoff, Melissa Wright, Jessica Sucupira, Jared Annear and 11 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, a daughter, Nancy Wente, and a granddaughter, Jennifer Wente.
A memorial visitation with the family will be held from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. on Friday, June 30, 2023 at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church in Denver. A graveside burial service will follow at the St. Peter’s Lutheran Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please direct memorials to St. Peter’s Lutheran Church Cemetery in Denver.
