Wendell Kragel

Wendell Kragel, age 77, of Newell, Iowa, passed away March 25, 2011, at the Buena Vista Regional Medical Center in Storm Lake, Iowa. Wendell Charles was born January 30, 1934, to Fred and Ella (Dohrmann) Kragel in Hampton, Iowa. He was baptized into the Lutheran faith and also confirmed at St. Paulâ€™s Lutheran Church in Latimer, Iowa. Growing up, he attended grade school at St. Paulâ€™s Lutheran School in Latimer and graduated high school from CAL Community School in 1952 in Latimer. On August 20, 1961, Wendell was united in marriage to Martha Gerdes at St. John Lutheran Church in Woden, Iowa. The union was blessed with 11 children. Wendell proudly served his country in the United States Army. After serving in Panama he joined the Army National Guard. He worked as a farmer and spent several years as an umpire for youth baseball and softball. Wendell was an active member of St. Peter Lutheran Church where he served in various church offices. He enjoyed bowling and especially cherished the times he was able to spend with his family. Those left to cherish Wendellâ€™s memory include his wife, Martha Kragel of Newell, Iowa; children: Fred Kragel of Alta, Iowa; Cindy (Dan) Neuroth of Sioux Falls, South Dakota; Michael (Heather) Kragel of Muscatine, Iowa; Teresa Kragel of Rapid City, South Dakota; Susan (Jim) Rawlings of Lakewood, Washington; Tonya Kragel of Lakewood, Washington; Amber Kragel of Newell, Iowa; Matt (Pennie) Kragel of Storm Lake, Iowa; Pete (Katie) Kragel of Lincoln, Nebraska; Sara (Jeremy) Whitehead of Waterloo, Iowa; and Mardie Jo (Todd) Heithoff of Ankeny, Iowa; grandchildren: Heidi (Adam) Lewis; Anthony (Cassie) Neuroth; Shantel (Jeremy) Ryherd; Shallene Kragel; Alexa Brewster, Kyra and Jacob Kragel; Elizabeth Whitehead; Taylor, Trev, and Tucker Kragel; Caitlyn Rawlings; Miko Kragel; Alexander Spengler; Kory and Olivia Kragel, Kayla and Justin Ritz; great-grandchildren; Aydison, Garrett, Dakota and Mason Ryherd; Desmyn Kragel; and Trenton Peterson; sister, Bernadine Cherry of Benton, Arkansas; extended family and many friends. Wendell was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Roy Kragel; and sister, Lucille Albee.

Wendell Kragel

January 30, 1934 - March 25, 2011