David Wente

Funeral services for David Wente of Morris, MN, will be held Monday, October 9, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. at Faith Lutheran Church in Morris with Reverend Emmy Swedlund officiating. Visitation will be Sunday, October 8, 2023 from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Pedersen Funeral Home in Morris and for one hour prior to the service at the church on Monday.  A private family burial will take place at a later date at Calvary Cemetery in Morris.

David Eli Wente was born on May 10, 1942, to Eli and Alma. Dave was the oldest of four boys. He lived on the family farm in Holloway until his graduation from high school in 1960. Dave was a natural-born athlete, and as most of us know, a fierce competitor who strove to succeed in any activity he participated in. His true passion was baseball, and he played for the Appleton Aces and Hancock Orphans until the age of 30. Many dear friends were made during those days.

After graduating from high school, Dave enlisted in the National Guard and was stationed in Fort Ord, California for 6 months with Bernie's brother, Ronnie. Dave explored many different careers, including driving a gravel truck, working at the Veteran’s Hospital in Minneapolis, and working at the Appleton Furniture store. It was there where he discovered the sales profession, a perfect fit for his charismatic and outgoing personality. He started at Lowys company in 1964 as a flooring salesman, and it didn’t take long before he was ready to branch off on his own as an entrepreneur. In 1969, he and Jerry Koosman had the idea to open a restaurant/bar in Morris, MN. They named it the Diamond Club and Met Lounge after their shared love for the game of baseball. Dave also pioneered the Wente Furniture/Flooring stores in Morris, Appleton, and Alexandria.

Dave met Bernie through his friendship with her brothers. They were married on July 1, 1967, and spent 56 years together raising three children: two girls and one boy. Their love story was one for the ages, a testament to the power of love, commitment, and unwavering support. Together, they built a life filled with happiness, laughter, and cherished memories, setting an example for all who knew them.

Dave was a devoted husband and father, a true family man through and through. He enjoyed watching his children in their sporting events and was always their most dedicated supporter and advisor. He was always content sitting by the campfire with a cold Miller Lite, grilling up something spectacular for family and friends, and boating from lake to lake through different channels. Countless weekends in the summer were spent with Jerry, Ardell, and Jeff Anderson, where they explored many campgrounds throughout the state of Minnesota. Every Memorial Day weekend was spent at Ottertail Lake with Bernie, Virgil and Carol Mesenbrink, Don and Rita Johnson, and Jerry and Ardell Anderson.

Dave retired at the age of 64 after a long and successful career. He and Bernie fulfilled their shared love for travel by exploring a range of different countries. The trips he most often reflected on were to Europe, South America, and Mexico. Dave and Bernie's most recent trip was to Puerto Vallarta where all the children and grandchildren joined in the fun. Dave always commented on what a special trip they were all able to experience. He and Bernie also wintered in Palm Springs, CA, for 13 years where many lifelong friendships were formed.

Dave was a thrill-seeker and always up for a new adventure. He could often be found snowmobiling, boating, or giving his grandchildren rides on his motorcycle that he named "The Hog." His love for his wife, children, grandchildren, and friends was effortless and shown through his ability to make everyone feel seen and heard for their individual qualities. He spent many hours honing his golf skills with a special group of buddies, golfing many courses in the Morris area. He always lit up when talking about golfing with friends and could go on for hours about the different rounds he played.

When asked, Dave wouldn’t hesitate to answer that his family was the greatest accomplishment of his life. He traveled throughout Minnesota and the United States to attend his grandchildren's sporting events. Every conversation with his granddaughters was started with a “Hi Precious,” and when greeting his grandsons, it was “How are you doing buddy?” The respect he showed to others was easily reciprocated, and he was known for his genuine kindness and consideration. He had an innate ability to connect with people from all walks of life, forging deep and lasting friendships along the way. His generosity knew no bounds, and he was always the first to lend a helping hand or offer words of encouragement to those in need. His zest for life was infectious, inspiring those around him to reach for their own dreams and love as deeply as he did. He openly shared this love for his family and friends and ended most conversations or visits with “I love you.”

Dave passed away on Wednesday, October 4, 2023 at his home in Morris, surrounded by his family. He was 81 years old.

Dave will be dearly missed by his wife: Bernie of Morris; children: Dawn (Mark) Hendrickson of Chaska, Paul (Jill) Wente of Plymouth and Kristin Bilden of Chanhassen; 8 grandchildren: Morgan, Seth, Kayla, Josh (Katherine), Taylor, Parker, Jenna and Jackson; brothers: Vic (Lois) and Tom Wente; sisters-in-law: Agnes Miller, Rita Johnson, Connie Ascheman and Mary Wente; brothers-in-law: Virgil Mesenbrink, Ronnie (Donna) Ascheman and several nieces, nephews and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents: Eli and Alma; brother: Mike and sister-in-law: Chrysta Wente.

The family would also like to give a special thanks to the Morris Medical community, Westwind Villages, and to the Hospice staff at Knute Nelson who provided Dave with such attentive care. His hospice nurse, Lacey, was such a compassionate, reassuring and calming presence for the family during the final stages of his life.

Pedersen Funeral Home in Morris is in care of the arrangements for Dave.