Address
Locke on 4th
1519 W 4th St.
Waterloo, IA 50702
Eleanor Wettengel, 94, of Cedar Falls, passed away peacefully on Saturday, May 23, 2026, at New Aldaya Lifescapes in Cedar Falls.
Eleanor was born at home on June 20, 1931, north of Frederika, Iowa, the daughter of Earl and Florence (Graepp) Mack. She attended school in Frederika before transferring to New Hampton High School so she could study shorthand. She graduated with the Class of 1948.
Following high school, Eleanor worked as a secretary at the Rath Packing Plant. On June 10, 1951, she married Donald Wettengel at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Frederika. Together they shared many happy years and later welcomed their son, Michael, in 1968. Donald preceded her in death on April 29, 2007.
Eleanor later worked as a secretary for the Black Hawk Hearing Aid Center. She was a longtime member of Zion Lutheran Church in Hudson, where her faith and friendships were an important part of her life.
Eleanor enjoyed spending time with family and friends and especially loved playing cards. She belonged to several card clubs throughout the years and was also a member of the Red Hat Ladies. She found joy in baking pies and cookies, square dancing, and listening to live music.
Eleanor is survived by her son, Mike (Heather Wilharm) Wettengel of Gilbertville, Iowa; her sister, Elaine Bravener of Marion, Iowa; her grandson, Maxwell; and many beloved nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Donald Wettengel; her special friend, Kenny Miller; her brother, Merle Mack; and her sister, Wanda Sterba.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, June 1, 2026, at Zion Lutheran Church. Burial will follow at Garden of Memories Cemetery.
Visitation will be from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Sunday, May 31, 2026, at Locke at Tower Park.
Memorials may be directed to the family.
Visitation
May 31, 2026
5:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Locke at Tower Park
4140 Kimball Ave, Waterloo, IA
Funeral Service
June 1, 2026
11:00 am – 12:00 pm
Zion Lutheran Church of Hudson
5831 Grundy Rd., Hudson, IA
I am so sorry for your loss.
Mike I’m so sorry to hear of your mother’s passing. Just remember the wonderful memories you have in your heart. 💖
I have many memories of Don and Eleanor. Eleanor was indeed a grand lady. My sympathy to you Mike.
When I saw Eleanor’s picture I knew I should know her, as I volunteer at New Aldaya. When I read that she loved to play cards I immediately knew where I would see her. As I would leave via Main Street, I used to see her playing cards. I would usually ask them which one was winning. She always had an answer with her smile. I am sorry you had to say good-bye.
We were so sorry to hear of Eleanor’s passing. She was such a sweet lady, always with a smile on her face. We often said she reminded us of Mrs. Claus. We met Eleanor through our father Kenneth Miller. They enjoyed their time together visiting and playing cards. Our condolences to Mike and her grandson Maxwell, she was so proud of both of you. Eleanor will be missed.
Your Mom was such a sweet lady and someone I always looked forward to visiting with at NewAldaya.
I’m so sorry for your loss, she will be missed.
Michael, I am truly sorry for your loss. I babysat you many Friday nights when your parents went out on date nights. I would stay with your mom when I would come up to Waterloo to visit friends and attend class reunions. She was a sweet lady. We will be praying for you and your family during this time.
Your next door neighbor, Sharon Bennink Shaw & Joe