Obituary for Margie Eleanor Wessels

Margie Eleanor Wessels, 93, passed away peacefully on May 25, 2026, at Lakeview Assisted Living in Firth, Nebraska. She was born September 22, 1932, in Muscatine, Iowa, to Howard Harris and Iva Fay (Brown) Hammon.

Margie attended elementary school in Muscatine, Davenport, and Waterloo, Iowa. She lived for a time and received her middle school education at the Annie Wittenmyer Children's Home in Davenport, Iowa.

Margie went to live with her foster parents, Fred and Evelyn Franck, and foster brothers, David, Frederick, and James "Doug" Franck, in Quasqueton, Iowa. During her high school years, Margie was active in many activities, including plays, the school paper, and basketball. She graduated from Quasqueton High School in 1953. She also attended Quasqueton Union Church and was active in the church youth group.

After graduation, she moved to Independence, Iowa, and lived with her Aunt Divina Towlerton. She worked in various stores and cafes in Independence. Margie also attended and volunteered at Immanuel Lutheran Church for Pastor and Mrs. Erwin Schlachtenhaufen. Margie was active in the Luther League at Immanuel and became better acquainted with Robert Wessels, whom she had met earlier in 1951 and who also attended Immanuel Lutheran Church.

Margie and Robert Wessels were married at Immanuel Lutheran Church on August 14, 1955. They then moved to Waverly, Iowa, where Bob finished his last two years at Wartburg College. It was during that time that Marge gave birth to their first child, a son whom they named Marcus.

After Bob graduated from Wartburg College, he and Marge moved to Dubuque, Iowa, where Bob began studies at Wartburg Theological Seminary. While in Dubuque, Marge gave birth to their second child, Deborah. Marge would go on to have three more children: Daniel, David, and Ann.

In addition to raising her own five children, Marge also served as a licensed foster parent for the State of Missouri, where Bob and Marge served their first church. She spent many years in healthcare, working as a Nurse's Aide/CNA in Waverly, Iowa; Deshler, Nebraska; and Sibley, Dyersville, and Knoxville, Iowa. Marge also provided home health care for residents of both Dubuque and Marion Counties in Iowa.

She opened her heart numerous times to provide childcare for neighbors and friends. She was a strong and constant support to her husband, Bob, as they teamed up to serve seven churches and several interim ministries.

In 2018, Marge and Bob moved to Lincoln, Nebraska, to be close to three of their five children. Bob died on April 4, 2026, and Marge followed him to heaven on May 25, 2026.

Margie is survived by her children, Marcus Wessels (Leisa), Deborah Marr (William), Daniel Wessels, David Wessels (Mary), and Ann Ling (Buddy); numerous grandchildren; sisters-in-law Linda Cole and LaVelle Wessels; and foster brothers David Franck (Donnie), Frederick Franck (Elaine), and James "Doug" Franck (Sandy).

Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, June 20, 2026, at Immanuel Lutheran Church, 512 5th Street NE, Independence, Iowa. Refreshments will be served following the service.

Memorials can be given to:

NE Foster Care Closet https://fostercarecloset.networkforgood.com/projects/298432-2026-giving-page, or to

Salvation Army at https://give.helpsalvationarmy.org/give/166081/#!/donation/checkout