Gladys Wessel

Gladys Marie Johanna Wessel was born November 17, 1928, the daughter of Carl and Hulda Mueller Johannsen. She passed away on Monday, January 23, 2012, at the Crawford County Memorial Hospital in Denison, Iowa, at the age of eighty-three.
Gladys was born in Denison, Iowa. She received her education in country schools near her home. Gladys was united in marriage to Delmar Wessel on January 5, 1947, at Friedens Evangelical and Reformed Church in Schleswig, Iowa. The couple was blessed with the birth of eight children.
Gladys was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She was the matriarch of her family, always putting family first. Her grandchildren and great-grandchildren brought her great pride and joy. She helped nurture and care for them through the years. We will all remember "Grandma" telling us to "Be Nice" whenever we left her.
Growing up as an Iowa farm girl, Gladys' values, work ethic, manners, and respect for others were instilled in her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Gladys was a hardworking farm wife. She raised ducks, geese, and chickens, cleaning and delivering them to area residents, separated milk and sold cream to Olsons Produce, and helped out with all other areas of their farming operation. Gladys also served as "the boss" of Wessel Trucking for many years.
Gladys loved cooking, baking, and canning. She was well-known for her canned pickles and baked rye bread. She enjoyed visiting with family and friends and always had coffee and something ready to eat. The Wessel family has been very involved with the Crawford County Fair for years. Gladys was known for her infamous "fair" dinners and many looked forward to the meals she brought. Gladys also enjoyed playing the accordion, listening and dancing to polka music and visiting with family and friends.
Gladys was a member of Zion Lutheran Church in Denison and enjoyed serving as a member of the Ladies Aid. She also helped many years during election time as an election poll worker. Delmar and Gladys were very proud to receive both the honorary 4-H and FFA member awards.
Gladys was preceded in death by her parents; her husband Delmar, in 2008; one son, Dale, in 2011; her son-in-law, James, in 2007; three granddaughters, Mariah, Victoria and Veronica; two brothers, Herbert and Reynold; and two sisters and brothers-in-law, LaMae and her husband, Murlyn, and Benitaand her husband, Edgar; and brother-in-law, Erwin.
Left to cherish her memory are four sons: Douglasand his wife, Rhonda Kay; Duane and his wife, Kristi; and Darwin; Darren and his wife, Kelly; three daughters: Fayleen; Colleen and special friend, Bob; and Katie and her husband, Brett;one daughter-in-law; Rhonda Rae; 21 grandchildren; 26 great-grandchildren; and one sister, Elfie ; nieces and nephews, and many other relatives and friends.