Marcella Ann Wendel, 94, of West Union, Iowa, formerly of Postville, Iowa, passed away Sunday, September 7, 2025, at Emplify Health by Gundersen, West Union. She was born September 21, 1930 to Wilma Merle (Melcher) and David Hildreth Cowell on a farm near Volney, Iowa. Marcella graduated from Waterville High School with the class of 1948. She continued her education at Luther College, where she earned her two year teaching degree.
On September 16, 1950, Marcella was united in marriage with Kenneth Storla Wendel at Volney Methodist Church. Three children were born to this union.
Marcella enjoyed a teaching career that spanned 60+ years and included four school districts. She officially retired in 2010. Marcella was a Country School Teacher, Teacher’s Associate, Remedial Teacher, Substitute Teacher, and Tutor. Fifth grade was her favorite age to teach. A fun fact: she could recite the alphabet backwards and could do this into her 90’s.
She was a member of St. Paul Lutheran Church and was a member of WELCA. Along with her husband Kenny, they ushered at church, participated in the Share Food Program, and Meals on Wheels. She liked going on trips, especially to Germany, Hawaii, and Alaska.
Marcella was also a farmwife – gardening and canning produce. The young calves thrived under her care. She sold farm eggs and was well known for her baking skills. Christmas Tea Rings were a special treat. In her spare time, Marcella enjoyed reading, doing jigsaw puzzles, and playing cards. She especially enjoyed teaching her grandkids Rummy, and then mercilessly beating them everytime!
Surviving Marcella are her children, Susan (Bruce) Snively of West Union, Iowa, Ron Wendel of West Union, Iowa, and Sandra (Dennis) Bahls of Fayette, Iowa; six grandchildren, Ann (John) Cannon, Matthew Wendel, Jonathon (Adrien) Wendel, Courtney (Michael) Kreis, Melissa (Jeff) Trumpold and Jordan (Beth) Bahls; great-grandchildren, Cael, Chase and Caden Cannon, Ethan Hines, Jamie Trumpold, Sam Trumpold, Zayne Bahls and Cheyenne Larson; step-grandchildren, Jeff (Wendy) Snively, Kim (Kevin) Mork and Marc Snively and their children and grandchildren; and several nieces, nephews, cousins and many friends.
Marcella was preceded in death by her husband, Kenny on February 26, 2021; parents, David and Wilma Cowell; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Earl and Olga Wendel; brothers, Duane Cowell, Bruce Cowell and George (Joanne) Cowell; infant sisters, Maxine, May and Julia; and son-in-law, Edward McNeil.
Funeral Service will be held at 11:00 am with a Visitation from 9:00 am to 11:00 am on Saturday, October 11, 2025, at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Postville, Iowa with Rev. Lynn Noel as the officiant.
Interment will follow at Postville Cemetery in Postville, Iowa.
Schutte-Grau Funeral Home and Cremation Service of Postville, Iowa is assisting the family with services.