Keith Wensel

     Keith Lee Wensel was born on January 31, 1942, in Iowa City, Iowa and went home to be raised by his parents, Walter and Vesta Collette (Warren) Wensel. He attended school in southern Iowa. Keith joined the United States Navy and after his honorable discharge he returned to Iowa. Keith worked most of his life running heavy equipment and working road construction.

     During his first marriage, Keith was blessed with five children, Sarah, Danial, Mary, Amy and Jill. On November 30, 1995, he married the love of his life, Beverly Charley and they resided in the Onawa, Iowa area until moving to Mystic, Iowa where they opened and ran “Ma and Pa’s Bait and Tackle” until retirement. After Beverly passed away in September of 2021, Keith moved to Little Sioux, Iowa to be with the family that cared for him until his passing.

     Keith was known for collecting Indian artifacts and his enthusiasm for exploring the outdoors with his trusty metal detector. He embraced the joy of discovery, often spending hours in search of historical treasures that held stories of the past, which he shared among his friends and family. Kaith also loved spending time fishing with Beverly.

     Keith died on Monday, November 3, 2025, surrounded by the love of his family, at the age of 83 years, nine months and three days.

     Keith was preceded in death by his parents; wife; and siblings, Georgia Rippee, Corinne Valencia, Ed Carr, Carroll Walters and Darlene Lueders. He is survived by his children, Sarah (Tony) LeClaire of Pisgah, Iowa, Danial Wensel of Soldier, Iowa, Mary Frisk (Gale) of Little Sioux, Amy (Douglas) Trucke of Danbury, Iowa and Jill Wensel (Alan) of Little Sioux; 17 grandchildren; many, many great-grandchildren; special caregiver, Tiffany Smith; and many other relatives and friends.

     Keith’s final resting place will be at the Jones Family Cemetery in Plano, Iowa.

     The family would like to extend a special THANK YOU to the Harrison County Homemaker caregivers who have dedicated time to Keith for the last year.