Wendell Frette, 97, of Paxton died peacefully at 8:40 a.m. Thursday, November 15, 2018, at his home.

Visitation will be from 1-2 p.m. Sunday, November 18, 2018, at Baier Family Funeral Services, 406 E Pells Street, Paxton. Funeral services will follow at 2 p.m. with Rev. Priscilla Geerdes officiating. Burial will be in Glen Cemetery, Paxton with military honors accorded.

Wendell was born in rural Paxton, the first son of Herman and Mary Frette. He was united in marriage

68.5 years to Lois Hanson at Pontoppidan Lutheran Church, Elliott.

He is survived by two daughters, Nancy (Allen) Dooley of Homer and Karen (Don) Talleur of Urbana and one son, Jim (Anne) Frette of Urbana; three grandchildren, Michael (Kelly) Skibbe of Schaumburg, Jeffrey (Dy-Ana) Skibbe of Tolono and Jonathan Frette of Paxton; five great grandchildren; two sisters, Marilyn Lammers and Barbara Frette both of Paxton.

Wendell was preceded in death by his wife; parents; a brother, Warren; a sister, Audrey Ward; a granddaughter, Lindsey Frette and a son-in-law, Tony Ayers.

He received his education in central Illinois in public rural schools. Wendell farmed west of Fisher 5 years and west of Paxton for 33 years, retiring in 1985.

Wendell was a lifetime active member of the Pontoppidan Lutheran Church in rural Elliott and held many positions in the church. He was baptized and confirmed at Pontoppidan Lutheran Church.

He served in the U.S. Army from 1942-1945 during World War II in Northern Africa, Italy and France 328 ^th Military Police Escort Guard Detachment. He earned the Victory Medal, American Theater Ribbon, European-African-Middle East Ribbon, 4 battle stars, 4 overseas service bars and one service stripe. He was a lifelong member of the VFW Post 4214. He was extremely proud of his military service.

Wendell belonged to the Ford-Iroquois Farm Bureau 55 years. He served as an advisor to the Ag Program at Paxton High School. He was a member of the Ford County Historical Society, Moose Lodge #1496, Loda and Rantoul Senior citizens.

He enjoyed reading, traveling, photography, dancing and especially being with his wife, children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Wendell will be remembered by his friends and family as a devoted and faithful husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, friend and Christian. His strength, wisdom and support in all circumstances of life will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him. "Well done, good and faithful servant...enter into the joy of your Master."

The family wants to send a special thank you to the Carle Hospice Team especially Vicky and Wendy. They were angels in their time of need.

Memorials may be made to the Pontoppidan Lutheran Church, Elliott. Condolences may be offered at www.baierfuneralservices.com.