Sophie Wessel

Sophie Emma Wessel, 93, of Gordonville died Saturday, Nov. 9, 2002, at her home.

She was born March 9, 1909, at Dutchtown, daughter of Robert A. and Emma W. Kiehne Eggimann. She and Henry J. Wessel were married Feb. 11, 1934, at Dutchtown. He died Oct. 23, 1999.

Wessel was a 1928 graduate of College High School in Cape Girardeau, and a 1931 graduate of Lutheran Hospital School of Nursing in St. Louis.

She worked as a private duty and general duty nurse at Southeast Missouri Hospital, retiring in 1971.

Wessel was a lifelong member of Zion Lutheran Church, had been a Sunday School teacher, and charter member of the Ladies Aide and held a number of offices. She was a charter member of the Lutheran Home Auxiliary and served as an officer and volunteer, and was active many years on the board of Lutheran Family and Children's Services.

Survivors include two sons, Kenneth Wessel of Center Harbor, N.H., Paul Wessel of Port Angeles, Wash.; four daughters, Emogene Schaffner of Horseshoe Bay, Texas, Norma Tschida of Prior Lake, Minn., Marion McClard of Seattle, Wash., Gladys Cojocari of Frederick, Md.; a brother, Norman Eggimann of Portland, Ore.; 18 grandchildren; 35 great-grandchildren; and four great-great-grandchildren.

Friends may call at McCombs Funeral Home in Jackson from 4 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, and Thursday after 9 a.m. at Zion Lutheran Church in Gordonville.

The funeral will be at 10 a.m. Thursday at the church, with the Rev. Wayne Schwiesow officiating. Burial will be in the church cemetery.