James L. Wensel, age 82 of Carman, Illinois, passed away at 7:06 a.m. Monday, November  5, 2018 at his home.  He was born February 3, 1936 in Spickard, Missouri, the son of William and Wilda Elliot Wensel.  He was married to Shirley Madison.  They later divorced.  On July 11, 2007, he married Marjory Beasley.  She survives.

Mr. Wensel lived in Carman since 1965.  Prior to that he lived in the Central City and Cedar Rapids, Iowa  area and worked for Blahnik Construction for many years.  He served from 1956 - 1958  in the United States Army, stationed in Okinawa.  He was a member of the Teamsters Local #38 and Laborers Local #43, both in Cedar Rapids.  He was a member of, and former Commander of, the AMVETS Post #37 in Central City, Iowa.

James was an avid fisherman, and always donated his catch to the local church or AMVET organization.  He loved restoring and repairing guns.  He was well known in the Carman area for his beautiful yard, and when able, he assisted in the care of the Carman United Methodist Church grounds.

Survivors include his wife, Marjory, two sons, Richard Wensel and Jay Wensel, both of Cedar Rapids, two daughters, Nancy Wensel of Cedar Rapids, Melissa Wensel of Seattle, WA, numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren, two sisters, Judy Valasky of Madison, WI, Sherry Wagner of Minneapolis, MN and one brother, Jonathan Gabriel of Duluth, MN.  He was preceded in death by his parents, one sister, Twylla Thomas, and one brother in law, Bill Wagner.

A memorial service will be held at 10:30 a.m. Friday November 9, 2018 in the Carman United Methodist Church, with Pastor Lisa Unger officiating.  Burial with military rites will follow in the Carman Cemetery. Banks & Beals Funeral Home of Stronghurst is in charge of arrangements.  Please visit banksandbeals.com to sign the guest book and leave a condolence.