LeeAnn Ardella (Engelken) Wessels

LeeAnn Ardella Wessels, 93, of Manchester, Iowa, passed away on Tuesday, July 8, 2025, at the Good Neighbor Home in Manchester.  She was born on August 22, 1931, in Petersburg, the daughter of Clem and Isabelle (Wessels) Engelken.  She was raised and educated near Petersburg. After her schooling she stayed at home helping her dad on the farm.

On April 18,1955, LeeAnn was united in marriage to Fred Wessels at SS Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Petersburg. Ten children were born to this union. LeeAnn was an active homemaker and farm wife. She canned her own vegetables and made delicious meals for her family.

LeeAnn enjoyed her vegetable and flower gardens and the time spent sewing, quilting, cross stitching, watching the Chicago Cubs, golfing, bowling, and playing cards with the grandchildren.  LeeAnn’s grandchildren loved her delicious pancakes. The highlight of her day was the cherished time spent with her family.

Survivors include her nine children, Mike (Joan) Wessels of Manchester, Mark (Joyce) Wessels of Dyersville, Tim (Judy) Wessels of Manchester, Barb (Dennis) Pearson of Manchester, Chris Wessels of Manchester, Joan (Dan) Gritzner of Manchester, Jolene (Steve) Stokesberry of Colorado, Pete (Lori) Wessels of Manchester, and Teresa (Earl) Shaw of Manchester; 23 grandchildren; 24 great-grandchildren; a sister, Valeria Koelker of Dyersville; three sisters-in-law, Rita Engelken of Manchester, Elaine Wessels of Petersburg and Eldora Pins of Manchester; and numerous nieces and nephews.

LeeAnn was preceded in death by her parents; her husband Fred Wessels in 2013; her infant son, Matthew; her father and mother-in law, Art and Clara Wessels; siblings, Germaine (LaVerne) Deutmeyer, Walter (Norma) Engelken, Ralph Engelken, David (Mona) Engelken, Verna May (Ray) Wagner, and Mark Engelken; brothers and sisters-in law, Celestine (Joe) Boeckenstedt, LaVern (Nettie) Wessels, Charlie (Helen) Wessels, Lois (Paul) Pins, Jean (Lee) Mensen, and Danny Wessels.

Thank you to RMC Home Health, Acura Health Care and the Good Neighbor Home for all the loving care given to our Mom.

The Mass of Christian Burial will be livestreamed at http://blessedtrinitycluster.com

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