Grace A. Wessendorf

Grace A. Wessendorf, age 89, of Newell, Iowa died peacefully January 3, 2025 at Loring Hospital in Sac City, Iowa. She was surrounded by family who loved her and will miss her. Funeral services will take place Saturday, January 11, 2025 at 2:00 p.m. at First Congregational United Church of Christ in Newell. Burial will be in the Newell Cemetery. Visitation will take place Friday, January 10, 2025 from 5-7:00 p.m. at the Fratzke & Jensen Funeral Home in STORM LAKE. The Fratzke & Jensen Funeral Home in Storm Lake is in charge of the arrangements. Grace was born January 27, 1935 to Ernest and Florine (Wright) Piercy in Newell, Iowa. She was baptized and confirmed at the First Congregational Church in Newell, where she remained a lifelong member. Grace attended school in Newell, graduating in 1952. On June 15, 1952, Grace was united in marriage to Bill Wessendorf at the First Congregational Church. The couple was blessed with four daughters: Suana, Lauri, Launi, and Alicia. Bill and Grace owned and operated the Station, Bill’s Standard in Newell, Iowa until 1999, including 24-hour wrecker service. She worked at the Newell Mirror for over 25 years as a reporter, photographer, graphic designer and ad sales. Grace was most known for her role as the business manager for both the Newell Providence and the Newell Fonda school district from 1977 to 2003. She belonged to the Newell Women's Auxiliary, Red Hats Society, Mrs. 500, Sunday night bridge club. In 1969, she was Headquarters Chairman of the Newell Centennial steering committee, a community she was very proud of. Grace loved music, especially singing with her friend Harriette Laursen for the Newell Homecoming parade popcorn ball float and many other town events. Grace was a faithful member of the First Congregational Church in Newell. She served as Secretary and Treasurer for over twenty-five years and was also Sunday School Superintendent for many years. Every week after church, Bill and Grace would join Don and Marcella Piercy for Sunday dinner. They also enjoyed getting together with their card club friends. More than anything, Grace treasured time with her children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, and great-great grandson. She loved taking her family on trips, especially every five years to Estes Park, Colorado. Grace was an avid supporter of her daughters, grandkids, and great grandkids in their various activities over the decades. Left to cherish Grace’s memory include her daughters: Suana Wessendorf of Sac City, Iowa; Lauri (Mitch) Lyman of Newell, Iowa; Launi Dane (Rich Wagner) of New London, Iowa; Alicia Bohlke of Polk City, Iowa; grandchildren: Mandy (Brad) Mahler; Justin (Ginger) Lyman; Kristopher (Shanie) Dane; Kraig Dane; Daniel (Rosalie) Dubbohlke; Trevor (Anelyse) Bohlke; great-grandchildren: Aden (Peyton) Mahler; Treyton Mahler; Nevaeh and Guyson Lyman; Maci Parcel; Charlotte Dane; Jackson Bohlke; great-great grandchild: Wesley Mahler; and numerous nieces and nephews. Grace was preceded in death by her husband: Bill Wessendorf; parents: Ernest and Florine Piercy; brother: Don (Marcella) Piercy; sister: June (Bob) Parker; parents-in-law: William and Alice Wessendorf; brothers-in-law: George (Ruth) Wessendorf; Fred (Donna) Wessendorf; great-grandson: Charles Ray Dane; and special nephew: Frank Parker.

Grace A. Wessendorf

January 27, 1935 - January 3, 2025