Robert Wente
July 17, 1949 - May 16, 2026
Obituary
Robert Bohn Wente
July 17, 1949 – May 16, 2026
Robert “Bob” Wente passed away on Saturday, May 16, 2026 at the Simon Cancer Center in Indianapolis, Indiana. Robert is survived by his wife of 53 years and the love of his life, Margaret Dudine Wente; sons Eric Roman and Kurt Haven, sister Joan Bauerlein; brother-in-law Don Dudine; sisters-in-law Anne Maas, Jane Fischer (Chuck); and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Jan Haven Wente, sister-in-law Linda Dudine, and brother-in-law Steve Maas.
Bob's early life centered around basketball. He played for North Central High School where he graduated in 1967. He walked on and played as a freshman for Indiana State University, and he was a lifelong member of Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity. He continued his education at the University of Memphis where he earned the of Juris Doctor in 1974.
For 17 years, Bob served as an Indiana Deputy Attorney General. He then went into private practice for seven years before returning to the Attorney General's Office. His last few years were spent as the Commissioner of the Board of Tax Review, and upon retirement in 2013, he was presented with the Governor's Distinguished Hoosier Award.
An avid sports fan and tri-athlete, Bob coached his sons for the Pike Youth League in Basketball, Baseball and Football. He was also a basketball referee for the IHSAA.
The family wishes to express their appreciation to the staff of Methodist Hospital and the Simon Cancer Center.
A Service for Bob will be held tomorrow, Wednesday, May 20, 2026 at 11:00 AM at St. Monica's Catholic Church at 6131 N. Michigan Road, Indianapolis, with visitation from 10:00 AM until time of service. Internment will be later in Jasper, Indiana. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Indiana State University's “Bridge the Gap” fund in care of the ISU Foundation, 30 N. 5th Street, Terre Haute, IN 47809 or the charity of your choosing.