Nancy L. (Henry) Wessel

Nancy L. Wessel, age 84 of Pittsfield, IL passed away Tuesday, January 6, 2026, at Barry Healthcare and Senior Living in Barry, IL. She was born July 20, 1941, in Canton, IL to Earnest and Hattie Barrett Henry. Nancy married Robert Leroy ‘Pete’ Wessel December 14, 1962, at the First Christian Church in Chandlerville and he survives.

Nancy was a graduate of Chandlerville High School and then enrolled at Western Illinois University in Macomb where she earned her Batchelor’s degree in Home Economics. She began her career in Pleasant Plains and then continued teaching in Pleasant Hill and in Milton for the East Pike District. Nancy later worked at the Pin Cushion and eventually bought the store and became the sole proprietor. She taught sewing lessons and added a t-shirt print shop to the store; it was first located in downtown Pittsfield before moving on to North Jackson. Nancy sold the store in the late 90’s so she and Pete could travel; they enjoyed trips to Branson, Las Vegas, spring training in Jupitar, FL, and many other locations around the country. She later went back to teaching as a substitute in Griggsville and Pikeland Unit #10. Nancy was an avid Saukee fan who attended many sporting events over the years, and she and Pete were awarded the Mr. and Mrs. Saukee award. Nancy served her community as an election judge, was a member of the Milton Pearl Unit of HCE, and could always be counted on to volunteer wherever she was needed. Above all else, she was a dedicated wife, mother, and grandmother who took delight in being involved in all her granddaughter’s activities. She was a loving, hardworking, and caring woman who will not only be missed by her family but the many friends and community members who benefited from her generosity and good will.

Nancy is survived by her devoted husband of 63 years, Pete Wessel; son, Joe (Jennifer) Wessel of Pittsfield, IL; granddaughters, Gretchen Wessel of Springfield, IL and Allison (Max) Couch of Suffolk, VA; sisters, Ellen Standish and Verna (Rick) Stone; and several nieces and nephews also survive.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Earnest and Hattie Henry; brother, Jim Henry; and brother-in-law, John Standish.

Funeral service will be held at 11:00 AM, Saturday, January 10, 2026, at Niebur Funeral Home in Pittsfield with visitation held prior to the service from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM at the funeral home. Interment will follow the service at Pittsfield West Cemetery. Memorials are suggested to be made to Pittsfield West Cemetery or Pittsfield First Christian Church. Online condolences may be left to the family at www.nieburfh.com. Niebur Funeral Home in Pittsfield is handling the arrangements.

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