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. They lived on the family farm south of Gordonville throughout their marriage. He died Oct. 23, 1999.

Sophie was baptized March 22, 1909, at home by the Rev. C.C.E. Brandt. She attended Zion Lutheran Parochial School and was confirmed at Zion Lutheran Church April 9, 1922, by the Rev. Valentine Walther.

She 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.

Sophie was a lifelong member of Zion Lutheran Church and served as one of the original Sunday school teachers. She was a charter member of the Ladies Aide, where she 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.

Loving survivors include two sons and daughters-in-law, Kenneth and Sandi Wessel of Center Harbor, N.H., Paul and Gwyn Wessel of Port Angeles, Wash.; four daughters and three sons-in-law, Emogene and Robert Schaffner of Horseshoe Bay, Texas, Norma Tschida of Prior Lake, Minn., Marion and Neil McClard of Seattle, Wash., Gladys and Arthur Cojocari of Frederick, Md.; a brother and sister-in-law, Norman and Marjorie 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. today, 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.

Expressions of sympathy may take the form of contributions to Zion Lutheran Church Hand Chimes or VNA Hospice.