Fannie Peta Wefel, age 102

Fannie Peta Wefel, age 102, of Waterloo, Iowa, was born the daughter of Gerhard and Anna (Rademaker) Escherhausen on October 7, 1921, in Clarksville.  Fannie attended country school near Allison, then graduated from Clarksville High School in 1939.  After graduation, Fannie worked at Macy’s Variety Store in Clarksville as a clerk. 

On March 29, 1950, Fannie was united in marriage with Vernon Henry Wefel at the St. John Lutheran Church parsonage in Clarksville.  The couple made their home in Clarksville.  Fannie worked as a housekeeper and also at George’s TV and Appliance and the Sewing Basket Fabric Store.  In 2012, Fannie moved to Waterloo to live with her daughter, Sheryl.

Fannie was a lifelong member of St. John Lutheran Church where she was active in the ladies group and helped with the funeral lunches.  She loved to sew clothing, mend, crochet, and read novels and suspense stories.  Fannie enjoyed gardening and raising her own vegetables.  Through the years, Fannie and Vernon traveled extensively throughout the United States, visiting many of the national parks. The last few years, Fannie enjoyed watching birds and squirrels.  Everyone who knew Fannie would say she was such a sweet woman.  Fannie loved spending time with her family.

Fannie passed Sunday, April 28, 2024, at her daughter’s home in Waterloo, of natural causes.  Fannie was preceded in death by her husband of 50 years, Vernon on February 6, 2001; a stillborn son, Kenneth Allen Wefel in 1955; her parents, Gerhard and Anna Escherhausen; a sister, Annetta Groen; and a brother, George Escherhausen.

Fannie is survived by two daughters, Karen (Russ) Huffman and Sheryl (Rudi) Lindemann, both of Waterloo; two grandchildren, Desiree Cunningham-Loggins and Robby (Na Liu) Cunningham; and four great-grandchildren, Gabriel Loggins, Mallory Winkey, Aiden Cunningham and Ethan Cunningham.

A memorial service for Fannie was held at 10:30 a.m., on Wednesday, May 8, 2024, at St. John Lutheran Church in Clarksville.  Pastor Charles Underwood officiated the service.  The organist was Sharon Leerhoff and she accompanied the congregation as they sang “In The Garden”, “How Great Thou Art” and “Rock Of Ages”.  Burial was held at Lynwood Cemetery in Clarksville, with Robby Cunningham, Bruce Hunt, Russ Huffman, Harv Hoversten and Allen Wefel serving as Casketbearers.

Visitation was held from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., on Tuesday, May 7, at the Redman Funeral & Cremation Services in Clarksville, and one hour before services at the church.  Memorials may be directed to the family.  Online condolences may be left at www.redmanfuneral.com