Pawnee — Wendell L. Sitze, 83, of Pawnee, Illinois, died Feb. 24, 2019, at his home in Pawnee. Wendell was born Sept. 16, 1935, in Tower Hill, the son of Wendell B. and Violet R. Roberts Sitze. He married Barbara J. Herberger on June 27, 1959, at the Pawnee Assembly of God Church. Wendell was preceded in death by his parents; one sister, Lavon Harris; and one brother, Richard Sitze. Wendell was a member of the Pawnee Assembly of God Church and was a veteran of the U.S. Navy, serving four years. Wendell graduated in 1953 from Alton High School. He was devoted to his family. He was an avid hunter and enjoyed woodworking, leatherwork and gardening. His biggest passion was building houses, which he did for 42 years, retiring in 2004. Wendell is survived by his wife, Barbara; two sons, Dennis W. (wife, Gail) Sitze and Gary M. (wife, Shelley) Sitze; two daughters, Cheryl R. (husband, Randy) Aeilts and Vickie D. (husband, Mike) Ward; all of Pawnee; one sister-in-law, Louise Sitze, of Florida; 12 grandchildren; 22 great-grandchildren; and several nieces, nephews and cousins. Wendell's family will meet friends from 9 a.m. until the time of a funeral service at 11 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 28, 2019, at the Pawnee Assembly of God Church, with Rev. A.B. Bennett officiating. Burial will follow at Horse Creek Cemetery in Pawnee. Memorials honoring Wendell may be made to the Pawnee Assembly of God U-Turn Life Ministries, 1001 Eighth St., Pawnee, IL 62558. Curry Funeral Home in Pawnee is serving the family of Wendell Sitze.