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Billie “Bill” Wessendorf, 94, of Newell died peacefully Monday, Dec. 11, 2023 at Trinity Regional Medical Center in Fort Dodge. He was surrounded by his family who loved him and will miss him.
Funeral services will take place Friday, Dec. 15, at 11 a.m. at First Congregational Church in Newell. Burial will be in Newell Cemetery. Fratzke & Jensen Funeral Home in Storm Lake is in charge of the arrangements.
Bill was born July 1, 1929 to William H. and Alice (Minglin) Wessendorf in Storm Lake, at Swallum Hospital. He was baptized as an infant at the Methodist church. Bill grew up in Nemaha, where he attended school, graduating in 1949. After high school, Bill served in the United States Army from 1951-1953, and was stationed in Korea. He then owned and operated the Station, Bill’s Standard in Newell, until 1999, including 24-hour wrecker service.
On June 15, 1952, Bill was united in marriage to Grace Piercy at First Congregational Church. The couple was blessed with four daughters: Suana, Lauri, Launi and Alicia.
Bill enjoyed playing catcher on the Newell town baseball team. Later in life, he found joy in gardening and was proud of his 2,000-pound potato harvest one year. 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, Bill treasured time with his kids, grandkids and great-grandchildren. He loved taking his family on trips, especially every five years to Estes Park, Colo. Bill enjoyed fishing and he loved to support his daughters, grandkids, and great-grandkids in their various activities.
Bill was a member of First Congregational Church in Newell where he served as a deacon and trustee. He was also a member of the American Legion, Lion’s Club and was a Newell fireman. Bill served as President of Newell Chamber of Commerce.
Left to cherish Bill’s memory include his beloved wife Grace Wessendorf of Newell; daughters: Suana Wessendorf of Sac City; Lauri (Mitch) Lyman of Newell; Launi Dane (Rich Wagner) of New London; Alicia Bohlke of Polk City; grandchildren: Mandy (Brad) Mahler, Justin (Ginger) Lyman, Kristopher (Shanie) Dane, Kraig Dane, Daniel (Rosalie) Dubbohlke and Trevor (Anelyse) Bohlke; great-grandchildren: Aden (Peyton) Mahler, Treyton Mahler, Nevaeh and Guyson Lyman, Maci Parcel, Charlotte Dane and Jackson Bohlke; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Bill was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, George (Ruth) Wessendorf and Fred (Donna) Wessendorf; parents-in-law, Ernest and Florine Piercy; brother-in-law Don (Marcella) Piercy; sister-in-law June (Bob) Parker; great-grandson Charles Ray Dane; and special nephew Frank Parker.
