Margaret Fern Wetter, of Des Moines, peacefully ran out of fuel on Wednesday, Dec. 1, 2021, at the age of 101.
Margaret was born Feb. 28, 1920, to James Arthur and Leeta (Calhoon) Rannells on a farm near Dunlap. She graduated from Simpson College in 1942, with a degree in lower elementary education and taught in Seymour, Glenwood and Marcus. Margaret was married on Aug. 18, 1946, to Donald M. Wetter. She was a member of Grace United Methodist Church, Mary Circle and her local PEO chapter. Growing up, she participated in 4H club and Rural Youth Group. Margaret enjoyed gardening (indoor and outdoor), traveling (49 of the 50 states), reading, knitting, playing cards, exchanging hand-written letters with family, and listening to music, especially country music. She will be lovingly remembered for hugs that won’t let go.
Margaret is survived by her daughter-in-law, Donna (Wetter) Simmer; grandson, Jeff Wetter, and friend Jia; granddaughter, Sarah Patton (Kenny); sister-in-law, Polly Rannells; step-daughters, Marylyn Gillespie and Sheila (Denny) Moulds; two step-grandsons; five step-granddaughters; 15 step-great-grandchildren and 24 step-great-great-grandchildren.
Margaret is now celebrating the grand reunion of her parents, James Arthur “Poppy” and Leeta; husband, Donald Wetter; son, Steven Wetter; infant son, Jon; daughter, Jean; sisters, Ruth Roberts-Heller (Art) and Eula Jean Roberts (Frank); brothers, Francis Rannells (Estella), and Richard Rannells; niece, Sandra Rannells; step-grandson, Dan Moulds; and step-granddaughter Kristen Williams.
A funeral service was held on Saturday, Dec. 4, 2021, at the Dunlap Methodist Church. Pastor Aaron Terwilleger presided over the service. The musicians were Barb Amsberry and Rick Rannells and the musical selections were “Abide With Me” and “Softly and Tenderly”. Margaret’s final resting place is at the Lanesboro Cemetery outside of Lake City.
Fouts Funeral Home in Dunlap was in charge of arrangements. www.foutsfuneralhome.com
