Francis Wessels

FRANCIS WESSELS

Toddville

Francis "Hank" Walter Wessels of Toddville passed away Sunday, July 16, 2017,

at St. Luke's Hospital in Cedar Rapids following a sudden illness at the age

of 83. Arrangements by Murdoch Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Marion.

Born April 8, 1934, the son of Ed and Dorothy (Oberbroeckling) Wessels, Francis was born and raised in Petersburg, Iowa. Together with his four siblings, he enjoyed life on their family farm. At age 26, he joined the Army, serving his country while stationed in Korea. Following his military service, he was employed by Farmstead Foods, retiring after more than 30 years of service. In 1993, Francis started his own company, Valley View Landscaping, doing what he truly enjoyed. As owner of Valley View Landscaping, he designed, maintained and brought new plant life to hundreds of properties in Cedar Rapids and surrounding areas.

In recent years, he stepped away from his business, but continued his love and passion for landscaping work. Up until his passing, you could find Francis working in his yard.

When not on his lawn mower or planting flowers, Francis spent time with family and friends, enjoyed a drive in his Corvette, always being surrounded by people who cherished his company and everything he stood for. Francis also enjoyed caring for the deer, raccoon and other wildlife on his property.

To know Francis was to love him. He was a kind man, a proud man, and a wonderful father and grandfather.

Francis is survived by five children, Kerri Profancik of San Diego, Calif., Tim (April) Wessels of Roscoe, Ill., Jayme Wessels of San Diego, Jon (Jan) Wessels of Hiawatha and Nicole Wessels of Henderson, Nev.; seven grandchildren, Spring Crubaugh, Dylan Maslon, Evan Profancik, Timmy Wessels, Emily Wessels, Thane Wessels and Colton Wessels; and great-grandson, Mason Crubaugh. He also is survived by his sister, Ida Rose Sabers of Earlville.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Ed and Dorothy Wessels; and brothers, Richard "Breeze" Wessels, Bob Wessels and Ernie Wessels.

A private viewing and service will be held Friday, July 28. A Celebration of Life event will be held at a later date.

Francis greatly changed the lives of many, mostly his children. In honor of his memory, the family has requested in lieu of flowers, a charitable donation be made to the Shriners Hospital at El Kahir Shrine Center, 905 Tower Terrace Rd., Hiawatha, IA 52411. If preferred, plant a tree or flower on your land or in your garden to honor Francis' memory.

On July 16, 2017, we lost a very special man while heaven gained an angel, and for that Francis' friends and family are forever grateful. The family would like to thank those who have extended their love, support and condolences.

Please share a memory of Francis at www.murdochfuneralhome.com under obituaries.