Leona Bernice (Chapman) Wessel was born on September 03, 1949 to George and Agnes (Hawkins) Chapman in Chariton, IA. She attended East High School in Des Moines and later obtained her GED. Leona worked most of her career at the Bob Allen Co. Sewing Factory where she retired from in the early 2000’s. She also worked as an automatic tacker and a screen printer. Leona married Charles William Wessel SR. on April 3, 1971 and the two shared many wonderful years together. Leona was not only a mother to her three sons but also to everyone that she met. She was lovingly referred to as “Mama Lee” by almost everyone that met her. Leona true passion was her sewing and various other crafts. She would make clothing for her children and grandchildren, have a homemade quilt ready whenever there was a new birth in the family and worked meticulously on her embroidery. She enjoyed playing poker and other games on her phone, camping and fishing, and traveling with her four sisters. Leona’s greatest joy in life though was spending time with her family. Whether it was family rides on the motorcycle or large family celebrations, Leona was always in the center and will be greatly missed.
Leona Bernice Wessel died on July 26, 2020 at MercyOne Hospital in Des Moines at the age of 70. She is preceded in death by her parents; her brothers: George and Bill; her sister: Donna and her great granddaughter: Elsa Walker. Those left to cherish her memory are her husband of 50 years, Charles SR.; her three sons: Terry Erickson, Jeffrey Erickson and Charles Wessel JR.(Marsha); her grandchildren: Carolyn Walker, Michael Erickson, Jeffrey Erickson, Dylan Easley, Breanna Erickson, Zachary Wessel, and Jennifer Wessel; four great grandchildren: Madison Walker, Shelby Erickson, Laythn Walker and Kaiden Arterburn. She is also survived by two brothers: Larry and Randy; and three sisters: Frances, Sandra and Janet.
Memorials may be directed to the family.
