Helen Louise (Happel) Wells

Eden Prairie, MN- Helen Louise (Happel) Wells, 97, formerly of Adrian, Michigan died on Friday, August 11, 2023. She was born on April 13, 1926 in Jackson, MI, the daughter of Herbert and Emma Happel. Helen had 2 older sisters who died young: Marie in infancy and Grace as a young teen. Helen’s father died when she was only 7 years old, leaving her mother, Emma, in charge of the household and of taking care of Helen and her brother, Karl. They lived on the family farm and peddled chickens and eggs. Unfortunately, they never did come to a conclusion on which came first, the chicken or the egg. The family worked hard and there were very few frills growing up. Once Helen finished high school she worked as a secretary and a curb girl at the local drive-in soda shop. Don, her future husband, frequented the soda shop to learn more about the lovely Helen Happel. Their first date occurred when Don was a passenger in his cousin Bill’s car and as they approached a street corner, there stood Helen and her friend Betty, waiting to cross the street. It was right then and there, Don leaned out of the car window and asked Helen out on their first date. They immediately went to see a movie; the same movie Don and Bill had just come from. Helen and Donald Wells were married on April 10, 1947 and money was very tight. Helen didn’t even have a wedding dress, but man, did she rock that wedding suit! They moved to Adrian, MI in 1950, that same year they also joined the St. John’s Lutheran congregation where they remain members. After Helen and Don’s oldest son, David, came along, Helen became a stay-at-home mom to David, Lori, Susan and Randy. It was during these years that Helen taught all 4 children to cook at least well enough to keep themselves alive, iron and properly wash dishes. With Helen, she had expectations and there was a proper way to clean. No “cutting corners” allowed! Helen was her own version of a “mover and a shaker.” She was the epitome of a “giver and a doer.” Helen volunteered endlessly St. John’s Lutheran Church and school; she was involved with community events, fundraisers, and anything she could get her hands on. Helen was well known for sending cards for every, any and no occasion. Some wondered if Helen wasn’t receiving quarterly dividend checks from Hallmark. When Susan was in college, Helen sent her daughter something every single day for 4 years! Her brothers now feel it is safe to tell Susan their mom did it so Susan wouldn’t come home and visit TOO often! Helen had many interests such as knitting, needlework, crafts, refinishing furniture, cooking, entertaining and organizing…. everything. No matter how busy Helen was with all her projects, she still found time to help Don out in the floor covering and installation store, Wells Floor Covering, which they opened in 1974. Helen loved to travel, Europe was one of her favorite places, but when asked, she really didn’t care where they traveled to as long as Don was at her side. There’s a love not many could replicate, as Helen and Don were married 76 years! You may have noticed a change in the atmospheric pressure on Friday, August 11, 2023 at 6:05 a.m. That’s when the gates of Heaven swung open, and for the first time in the history of the universe, thunder went UP as our Lord welcomed Helen into his waiting arms with the words: “A life well lived. Well done good and faithful servant.” In addition to her husband, Don, Helen is survived by their children, David (Cheryl) Wells of The Villages, FL, Susan (Al) Newville of Minnetonka, MN and Randy (Mary) Wells of Adrian, MI; grandchildren, Daniel (Jaime) Wells, Matthew Wells, Chris (Mesha) Wells, Aubree (Charlie) Yunker, Meghan (Casey) Ching, Ian (Sara) Newville, Alex (Stephanie) Wells and Kaisa Newville; great-grandchildren, Brooke Wells, Drew Wells, Chloe Yunker, Lincoln Wells, Campbell Wells, Silas Ching and Milo Ching. She was preceded in death by her daughter, Lori Macko; son-in-law, Scott Macko; brother, Karl Happel and sister-in-law, Marge Happel. Gratitude and special thanks to the staff of The Waters of Eden Prairie, in Eden Prairie, MN where Helen resided with Don since July 2020, and to Grace Hospice as they lovingly guided and cared for us all during Helen’s final earthly journey. Following Helen’s wishes cremation has taken place. There will be a joint memorial service for Don and Helen on Friday, April 5, 2024, at 11:00 AM at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Adrian, MI with Pastor Joel Sarrault officiating. Visitation will be held from 10:00 AM until the start of the service. Don and Helen touched the lives of many in Lenawee County. There will be an opportunity to write down your favorite Don and Helen memory as the family would like to collect these treasured moments. Memorial contributions may be made to St. John’s Lutheran Church. Local arrangements have been entrusted to Wagley Funeral Home, Adrian where online condolences and memories may be shared at www.WagleyFuneralHomes.com.

Helen Louise (Happel) Wells

April 13, 1926 - August 11, 2023