Ishpeming- Wesley "Wes" V. Wentela, age 91 of 2001 Washington Ave, Ishpeming, passed away Tuesday October 31, 2017 at his home.

Wesley was born November 7, 1925 in Palmer to Victor and Emily J. (Aho) Wentela. Wes graduated from Champion High School, class of 1943. Shortly after graduating from high school he enlisted in the U.S. Army. Wes served during World War II with the 89 ^th Infantry Division in the European Theater of Operation.

In1952 Wes began work with the Marquette County Road Commission, serving as payroll clerk and administrative assistant to the Superintendent, secretary of the Marquette County Board of Public Works, and trustee of the Marquette County Road Commission's pension plan. During this time he also served as president of the U.P. Road Commission Clerks Association and Great Lakes Highway Council. He worked for the Road Commission for 39 years, retiring in 1991.

A proud veteran, Wes joined the American Legion in March 1947, celebrating 70 years of membership earlier this year, he was a member and treasurer of the former Champion American Legion Post. He joined the Ishpeming Kiwanis Club in 1962 and was granted Life Member status by Kiwanis International in 1980. He held numerous offices within the club and had 41 years of perfect attendance. An active member of the Ishpeming Ski Club,Wes was also a long time volunteer at the U.S. National Ski Hall of Fame. He volunteered as a tax consultant for the elderly. Wes was a local historian, who was a member of the Champion, Humboldt, Beacon Historical Society. He was a member of the Independent Apostolic Lutheran Church in Negaunee.

Wes was awarded the 1993 Citizen of the Year by the Ishpeming/Negaunee Chamber of Commerce Diplomats. He also received the Presidents Award from the Ishpeming Ski Club, the Ishpeming Public Schools Distinguished Service Award, the Ray Leverton Award for Volunteer Service, the George Hixson Award from Kiwanis International Foundation, and numerous other accolades.

Wes is survived by his wife Elizabeth "Betty" Wentela, whom he married on April 16, 1955, 3 sons: Richard Wentela of Ishpeming, Dale (Victoria) Wentela of Constantine, MI and Michael (Stephanie) Wentela of Darlington, WI, 4 grandchildren: Samantha (Jonathan) Cook, Carey (Kimberly) Wentela, Allyson Wentela and Cassie Wentela, 3 great grandchildren: Scarlett Cook, Aiden Wentela and Isaac Cook, special friends and neighbors Bob and Deanna Price along with numerous nieces and nephews. Wes was preceded in death by his parents, a brother Walter Wentela and a sister Mildred Eliason.

Visitation will be held from 4:00-7:00pm on Friday November 3, 2017 at the Bjork & Zhulkie Funeral Home in Ishpeming and on Saturday November 4 ^th from 10:00-11:00am at the Independent Apostolic Lutheran Church. Co. Rd. 492 Negaunee where funeral services will be held at 11:00am with Charles Prusi officiating.

A luncheon will follow the service at the church.

Interment will take place at the Ishpeming Cemetery with Military Honors accorded by the Vietnam Veterans of American Chapter 380.

Wesley's obituary may be viewed at bjorkandzhulkie.com where relatives and friends may leave a note of remembrance.

The funeral service recording, when it becomes available, can be found here .