Frances Louise (Newsome) WESSELINK

WESSELINK, ROBISON, NEWSOME, BAUMAN, FRENCH, MOSER, HUFF, CAPIELO, STEVENS, PIERCE, FINCH

Posted By: Sarah Thorson Little (email)
Date: 1/9/2007 at 23:38:53

Frances Louise Wesselink was born November 1, 1919, in Derby, Iowa, the daughter Roy Charles and Lois (Robison) Newsome. She was raised and educated in the area of her birth, graduating from Derby High School in 1935. She then attended Central College in Pella, Iowa where she received her teaching certificate. She taught second grade in Macksburg and Sioux Center, Iowa. On June 17, 1941, Frances was united in marriage with Arthur Wesselink, at the Derby Farm Home in southern Iowa. The couple made their home in Clarion for 2 1/2 years until moving to Eagle Grove. Art preceded her in death on December 17, 2005. Fran was dedicated to her youth and evangelism work in the United Methodist Church, as well as many years in the church choir and the United Methodist Women. Fran and Art were involved with the Lay Witness Mission Program over the Midwest area for over thirty years. They created a wonderful extended family with those they met through the mission program. She was a long time active member of the Legion Auxiliary Unit, holding the offices of county president, secretary and historian. Close to her heart was the Avenue of Flags project, including hanging, proper repair, storage and names of those who received the flags. She volunteered as a pianist at the Rotary Ann Homes for 30 years. She hosted several continuing bible studies in her home as well as Child Evangelism Good News Club. Two of the early members were Kent and Brian Wesselink. Fran loved her garden, but especially enjoyed sharing the flowers and vegetables with family and friends.

Fran passed away on Saturday, January 6, 2007, at the Wright Medical Center in Clarion, at the age of 87 years. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; and grandson, John Bauman. Survivors include six children: John Wesselink and wife Susan of Eagle Grove, Steven Wesselink and wife Lynn of Blythe, CA, Jay Wesselink and wife Kate of Madison, WI, Alice French and husband Michael of St. Matthews, SC, Mary Bauman and husband Greg of Danvers, IL and William Wesselink of Tucson, AZ; 13 grandchildren: Troy Moser and wife Jill, Tricia Huff and husband David, Lora Moser, Kent Wesselink and wife Angela, Brian Wesselink and wife Anna, Jill Capielo and husband Keith, Jo Ellen Wesselink, Casey Wesselink, Gerritt Wesselink, Dayna Stevens and husband Brent, Kimberly Bauman, Nick Bauman and Michael DeAnne French; eight great-grandchildren: Jacob, Benjamin and Cael Wesselink, Heidi and William Moser, Zach Wesselink, Finley Stevens and Ryan and Carsen Huff; sister, Betty Pierce of Mankato; niece, Jane Finch and nephew, Jim Pierce and wife Rebecca.

Funeral Services will be held Tuesday, January 9, 2007, 10:30 a.m. at the United Methodist Church in Eagle Grove with Rev. Mary K. Green, officiating. Visitation will be held Monday, from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m., at the Foust Funeral Home, Eagle Grove. Burial will be in Rose Hill Cemetery, Eagle Grove. Memorials may be directed to Wright County Hospice, the United Methodist Church and KJYL Radio.

Copyright Fort Dodge Messenger January 7, 2007