Wendell "Shorty" Oge

Mr. Wendell W. Shorty Oge, 89, of Dallas City, IL passed away Monday, April 8, 2013 at 5:20 AM at the McDonough District Hospital in Macomb, IL.

He was born on February 20, 1924 in Mediapolis, IA. On April 20, 1990 he married Merlene M. Guinn.

Mr. Oge attended schools in Burlington, IA. He served in the US Army Air Force during World War II. His plane was shot down over France. He was hidden by the French underground until eventually being reunited with American forces. He was awarded the Purple Heart and 2 Bronze Stars. He worked for Caterpillar in East Peoria, IL for 30 years. Following retirement he lived in Niota, Carman and for the past 16 years in Dallas City. He was a volunteer with the Help Hospitalized Veterans and the RSVP. He received recognition for his volunteering from both the US President and the Govenor of Illinois.

He was a an avid fisherman and a member of the Dallas City Senior Citizens, American Legion and the Pontoosuc Community Church.

He is survived by his wife, Merlene, one daughter, Mary Scheirer of Panta Gorda, FL, three stepchildren, Veronica Lord-Schnicker of Burlington, Wava Jarr of Fairfield, IA and Wendell Luko of New London, IA, 13 grandchildren, and several great-grandchilden.

He was preceded in death by 2 daughters, 3 brothers and 1 sister.

Services will be held at 2:00 PM Friday, April 12, 2013 at Banks & Beals Funeral Home in Dallas City with Algie Peterson officiating. Military rites will be given by the Dallas City
American Legion. The family will meet with friends, Friday, from noon until time of services. A memorial fund has been established.