Obituary of Ralph James Wente

Survivors include his wife, Mildred, 6 children: Al (Maria) Wente, Neil (Mary) Wente both of New Vienna, IA, Karen Wente, Karla (Pat) Krogman both of Davenport, IA, Sara (Ron) Stout of East Moline, IL, and Tina Lippe of Peosta, IA, 10 grandchildren: Curtis and Colleen Wente of New Vienna; Katie, Ashley, Brooke and Ryan Wente all of New Vienna; Nathan, Ben and Isabella Krogman of Davenport, and Dakota Stout of East Moline, 2 siblings: Walter Wente of New Vienna, and Grace McBride of Farley, IA, 2 sisters-in-law: Esther (Earl) Brehm of Dubuque, IA, and Dorothy (Bob) Pitz of Epworth, IA. He was preceded in death by his parents, parents-in-law, Leander and Isabella Koch, son-in-law, Aaron Lippe and a brother-in-law, Leo McBride. Ralph was born on October 1, 1930 in Farley, Iowa, the son of William and Catherine (Klosterman) Wente. He served in the US Army during the Korean War stationed in Germany. Ralph married Mildred Koch on September 30, 1961 in New Vienna, Iowa. Together they farmed the family farm in the New Vienna area, being the 4th generation to do so. In 2007 they were given the Historical Preservation Award for their farm house. Ralph enjoyed fishing with his grandchildren, mowing lawns, shelling walnuts and riding his John Deere Gator. He was an active member and tour guide for the Heritage House in New Vienna. Ralph was also a member of the VFW Post 7736, American Legion Post 137 and St. Boniface Holy Name Society. Friends may call from 2 - 9 p.m. Sunday, July13, 2008, at Kramer Funeral Home in Dyersville where a parish scripture service will be held at 4 p.m. Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m., Monday, July 14, 2008, at St. Boniface Catholic Church, in New Vienna, Iowa with burial in the church cemetery, where military rites will be conducted. Officiating will be Rev. John O'Connor. A memorial fund has been established.