Wenell, Geneva (1918-2006)
WENELL, PETERSON, JOHNSON, WHISTLER, MORTENSEN, GARDNER, SWEENEY
Posted By: Paul Nagy (email)
Date: 3/11/2010 at 23:00:27
Geneva Wenell - Nov. 22, 1918 - Oct. 5, 2006
Geneva Wenell, age 87, of Albert City, Iowa, and formerly of rural Laurens, Iowa, returned to her Heavenly Father on Thursday, October 5, 2006, at Pleasant View Home in Albert City.
Geneva was born of the union of David and Nellie (Johnson) Peterson on November 22, 1918, in rural Albert City, Iowa. Baptized and confirmed in Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in Albert City, she was the eldest child growing up in a Swedish speaking family and attending country school. Geneva graduated from Albert City High School in 1935 and went on to Buena Vista College where she completed nearly two years of education toward her teaching certificate. Health reasons ended her college pursuit.
On October 15, 1940, she married Emery Wenell. To this union four children were born: Marilyn, Gary, Delores and Dale. Geneva was first and foremost a devoted wife to Emery. She took an active role in the farming operation and assisted Emery with his medical challenges. Likewise, the devotion to her four children was unparalleled as everyday life demanded constant vigilance to the serious medical issues of three of her four children. Nevertheless, you could often find her tending the many flowers in her garden. Every summer she planted and grew a bountiful vegetable garden in addition to freezing and canning dozens of quarts of apples and peaches—all for the enjoyment of her family and many guests over the years. Geneva enjoyed music by playing hymns on the piano and singing along. She and Emery traveled throughout the United States visiting friends and family. Her fondness for quilting and handwork continues to be treasured by her children and grandchildren today.
Geneva was very active in the Covenant Church where she sang in the choir, taught Sunday School and Vacation Bible School, and held various offices in Covenant Women. Outside of church, you could find her actively participating in the 4-H lives of her children and enjoying membership in the HOA (Help One Another) Club.
Geneva was preceded in death by her parents; husband Emery; daughter Dr. Marilyn Whisler; a brother, Raymond Peterson; and her sister, Eunice Mortensen.
She is survived by her son, The Honorable Gary Wenell and his wife, Nancy, of Sioux City, Iowa; her daughter, Delores Gardner and her husband, Colin, of Salt Lake City, Utah; her son, Dale Wenell and his wife, Sally, of Albert City; her son-in-law, Dr. Bruce Whisler of Winter Park, Florida; brother-in-law Ray Mortensen of Alta, Iowa; her grandchildren: Allison Sweeney and her husband Shawn, Anthony Wenell and his wife Robyn, Andrew and Alexander Gardner, Julie and Felicia Wenell along with nieces, nephews, and many other relatives and friends.
Funeral services for Mrs. Wenell are scheduled for Saturday, October 14, 2006, at 2:00 p.m. at the Evangelical Covenant Church in Albert City. Burial will be in Fairview Township Cemetery at Albert City. The Sliefert Funeral Home in Albert City is in charge of the arrangements.
Friends may call on Friday, October 13, 2006, from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. at the Sliefert Funeral Home in Albert City where the family will be present.
Copyright © 2006, Sliefert Funeral Homes
Sliefert Funeral Homes
Buena Vista Obituaries maintained by LaVern Velau.
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