Obituary of Emma Bernadine Wessels

Emma B. Wessels, 86, of Dyersville, Iowa completed her life's journey here on earth Saturday, July 2, 2011 at her home surrounded by her family. Friends may call from 2 - 8 p.m. Monday, July 4, 2011, at Kramer Funeral Home in Dyersville where an American Legion / V.F.W. Auxiliary Rosary will be recited at 4 p.m. and a parish scripture service will be held at 5 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, July 5, 2011, at St. Francis Xavier Basilica in Dyersville with burial in the church cemetery. Rev. Robert Gross will officiate. Emma was born April 13, 1925, near Dyersville, the youngest child of Ed and Mayme (Beckman) Bockenstedt. She married Jimmy A. Wessels on May 12, 1947, at St. Francis Xavier Basilica. He preceded her in death on June 11, 2003. Emma loved music, dancing, cooking, baking, Emma's Friends mystery trips, family get-togethers, the color purple, and always had a joke to tell. She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt and friend to all. She sacrificed much and always put her family first. She was a member of the American Legion Auxiliary Post 137 and VFW Auxiliary Post 7736, and the Mercy Hospital Auxiliary Dyersville. Survivors include her daughters: Gayle (Dean) Erschen of Zimmerman, MN, Gwenn (Jack) Evers and Gloria Knepper, all of Dyersville; 6 grandchildren: Karmen (Steve) Wilhelm of Marion, Kourtney (Dan) Keough of Clive, Kurt Kramer of Dubuque, Nathan (and friend, Alissa) Knepper of Urbandale, Emily (Brian) Nadermann of Austin, TX and Melanie (Lucas) Kluever of Maquoketa; 12 great-grandchildren: Spencer and Paige Wilhelm, Emma Carlson and Ava Keough, Alec and Reece Knepper, Canton, Vaughn and Briggs Nadermann, Maelyn, Ivery and Vivia Kluever, and 3 step-great-grandchildren: Allie, Charlie and Jenny Keough; one sister-in-law, Sr. David Wessels of Dubuque, numerous nieces and nephews, and many friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, 1 brother, Arnold Bockenstedt, 3 sisters: Mary Foxen, Charlotte "Lottie" Keppler and Estelle Deutmeyer Osterhaus, and many sisters-and-brothers-in-law. A very special thank you to all of our friends and relatives who so graciously helped us care for our mother in her home over the last few weeks. Dr. Tomas and all of his staff, we will always remember your wonderful care and concern, Dr. Gordon, Hospice of Dubuque, especially Angela, Edna, Jayne and Jennie, you are all truly angels sent to help us through this difficult time. Don't cry because it's over - Smile because it was