Carl Wessel
June 30, 1931 to September 26, 2018
Carl Irving Wessel, 87, of Elkader passed away on Wednesday, September 26, 2018, at Mercy Medical Center in Dubuque. He was born June 30, 1931, in Wood, Iowa, to Irving John and Mildred (Brockmeyer) Wessel. He graduated from Edgewood High School in 1950.
Carl served in the United States Army during the Korean War and was honorably discharged. He received the Korean Service Medal W/1 Bronze Service Star, a Combat Infantry Badge and a United Nations Service Medal.
Upon his return from Korea, he married Donna Mae Tieden on May 2, 1954. Three children were born to this union. Carl was a farmer who believed strongly in conservation practices and helping his neighbors. Together, the family enjoyed working on the farm, being active in their community and traveling. Carl and Donna retired from farming in 1996 and moved into town to begin the next chapter of their lives.
Carl was an enthusiastic supporter of Elkader and the surrounding communities. He proudly served multiple terms on the following boards/councils: Peace UCC Church Council, American Legion Post 106 (commander), Central School Board, Central Athletic Boosters (charter member), Keystone Apartments Board, and the Grinnell Mutual Insurance Board. In his free time he enjoyed attending his grandchildren’s sporting and musical events, playing cards, fishing at the family farm pond, socializing with friends and traveling with his wife, Donna.
Survivors include his children; Jane (John) Metcalf of Elkader, Alane (Roger) Swales of Strawberry Point, and Greg (Angie) Wessel of Waverly; grandchildren, Lindsay (Clint) Cota, Johanna (Pat) Fricano, Molly (Austin) Gill, Ryan (Lindsey) Swales, Allison Wessel, Madeline Wessel, Donovan Wessel and Jonathan Wessel; twelve great-grandchildren, and many friends.
Carl was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Donna, on February 23, 2013; and one sister, Leona (Chuck) Lewin.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Central Community Schools Music Department, Central Community Schools Athletic Boosters, Central Community Ambulance or the Opera House Players.
A visitation was held from 3 to 6 p.m. on Sunday, September 30, 2018, at Peace United Church of Christ in Elkader and after 9:30 a.m. on Monday, also at the church. The memorial service was at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, October 1, 2018, at Peace United Church of Christ in Elkader with Rev. Jon Haack officiating Inurnment followed at 1:30 p.m. on Monday, October 1, 2018, at East Side Cemetery in Elkader.
Leonard-Grau Funeral Home & Cremation Service of Elkader assistedthe family. Online message may be left with www.graufuneralhomes.com.
