WATKINS:  Ethel (Walter) Wessling, 100, died Saturday, April 5, 2008 at Heritage Acres Nursing and Rehab in Cedar Rapids of complications of old age.
     A Funeral Mass will be held at 10:30 AM, Tuesday, April 8, 2008 at St. Patrick Catholic Church in Watkins with Father Jack McClure as Celebrant.  Interment will be held at St. Patrick & St. Paul Cemetery near Watkins.  Friends may call at the church in Watkins from 4 to 7 PM on Monday where a Rosary will be held at 6:30 PM and a Vigil Service will begin at 7 PM.
     Ethel was born June 30, 1907 at Watkins to John and Anna (Boddicker) Walter.  On December 29, 1928 she married William C. Wessling at St. Patrick Catholic Church in Watkins.  He preceded her in death in 1952.
     From 1945 to 1970, Ethel was employed at Amana Refrigeration.  She was a member of the Altar & Rosary Society of her parish; loved to play cards and was known as the best Euchre player in Benton County.  She also loved dancing, gardening, canning and crocheting.  Ethel was a wonderful cook and gracious hostess.
     She is survived by her sons, Richard Wessling of Watkins; Grant (Lois) Wessling of Atkins; her daughter, Joyce "Teri" Ferguson of Cedar Rapids; ten grandchildren, Doug (Deb) Wessling, Dave (Kathy) Wessling, Tom (Sara) Wessling, Bill (Kay) Wessling, Jamie (Mark) Young, Ross (Susie) Ferguson, Scott (Mary) Ferguson, Steve Leichsenring, Lori (Mark) Evans, and Jim (Tammy) Leichsenring; twenty-four great-grandchildren; five great-great-grandchildren; and her sister-in-law, Regina Walter of Cedar Rapids.
     In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by her daughter and son-in-law, Shirley and Gene Leichsenring; her son, Jim Wessling; great grandson, Joey Leichsenring; her sister, Dorothy Wicke; and three brothers, Raymond, Ralph and Clarence Walter.
     Her family expresses their gratitude to Evergreen Estates I, Heritage Acres Nursing & Rehab and Amenity Hospice for the wonderful care Ethel received.
     Phillips Funeral Home in Blairstown is in charge of arrangements.