Magdalen F. Wieling

Magdalen F. Wieling age 98 of New Hampton, IA, died Monday, August 18, 2025 at the Arlington Place Assisted Living in Oelwein, IA.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held 10:30 a.m. Saturday, August 23, 2025, at Holy Family Parish, New Hampton with Rev. Chris Podhajsky celebrating the Mass. Interment will be in Calvary Cemetery, New Hampton.

Friends may greet the family 4:00 – 7:00 p.m. Friday, August 22, 2025, at the Hugeback-Johnson Funeral Home & Crematory in New Hampton where there will be a 7:00 p.m. parish scripture service. Visitation continues an hour prior to the Mass at the church on Saturday.

Magdalen Frances Wieling was born June 21, 1927, on the family farm outside Waucoma, IA, the daughter of William and Bertha (Drilling) Myers  Magdalen received her education at St. Mary’s School in Waucoma, a place that not only imparted knowledge but also instilled in her the values of faith and community that would guide her throughout her life. It was at a wedding dance in Lawler, IA, that Magdalen met her life partner, Ralph Wieling. Their love blossomed and the couple exchanged vows on August 21, 1945, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Waucoma. Together, they embarked on a journey of companionship and family, welcoming five children who would become the center of their world.

The Wieling family initially made their home in Festina, IA, before moving to Waucoma, and eventually settling in New Hampton in 1973. It was there that Magdalen would become a familiar and beloved figure in the elementary school kitchen, where she worked for over two decades. Her nurturing spirit and warm smile were as much a part of the children’s daily nourishment as the food she lovingly prepared.

Magdalen’s life was rich with passions that reflected her nurturing and creative spirit. She was an avid reader, always with a book close at hand, her mind ever eager to explore new worlds and ideas. Her hands were rarely still, as she found joy in sewing and tending to her garden, where she cultivated both flowers and vegetables with equal care. Magdalen’s skill at playing cards was well known, and she delighted in the camaraderie and gentle competition of the game. Magdalen also loved attending the events at school for her grandchildren, cherished bus trips as well as square dancing with her husband.

A tradition that became a signature of Magdalen’s generosity was her homemade grape jelly, lovingly prepared and shared with all her family. On special occasions, she would also make homemade root beer, a treat that became synonymous with celebrations and family gatherings, and a testament to her love for creating joyful moments for those around her.

Survivors include her son, David (Merilee) Wieling of Winterset, IA; daughters, Mary (Dwaine Redler of Bellevue, NE, Janice Meyer of Ft. Atkinson, IA, Susan (Denis) Tasker of Oelwein, Karen (Mark) Haugland of Peach Tree Corners, GA; 16 grandchildren; 36 great-grandchildren;  4 great-great grandchildren; sisters, Sr. Delores Myers B.V.M., of Dubuque, Elaine Hill of Peru, IL; sister-in-law, Alice Myers of Cresco, IA; brother-in-law Paul Kress of Dubuque.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Ralph in 2008; son-in-law, James Meyer;  sisters, Esther Myers, Mary (Bernard) DeSloover, Dorothy (Jim) Cotant, Betty (Tony) Sieverding, Frances Kress, Marilyn (Carl) Hoffman, brother, Leonard Myers.