Louise W. (Jurgensen) Wells

Louise W. Wells, formerly of Alicel, died Monday, November 27, 2023 in La Grande at the age of 92.

A celebration of her life will be held on April 20, 2024 with details announced at a later time by Daniels-Knopp Funeral, Cremation & Life Celebration Center of La Grande.

Louise Willene was born in De Soto, Iowa, on April 13, 1931, the sixth of eleven children to German immigrants, Gerhart Henry Hans and Anna (Bundtzen) Jurgensen.  She was raised on a farm and educated in De Soto, graduating from high school in 1949. During this time she was very active in music and singing, as well as basketball showing off her two handed push shot well into her 60s! She loved growing up in Iowa and frequently and fondly reminisced about her parents and siblings during those times.

Prior to graduating from high school, her brother Dan brought home a couple army buddies to the farm, including a handsome young man named Roy Wells. Louise, roughly 16 at the time, was immediately smitten. Their first date was going to see Bambi. The pair were married on May 31, 1949 in Van Meter, Iowa in a simple civil ceremony attended by Louise’s brother and sister. They made their home in Iowa for a few years before moving to Tracy, California and eventually settling at Alicel, Oregon on the Wells family farm. This is where they raised their family but also played a part in raising numerous foster children and extended family members over the years.

In 1990 they sold the farm and bought a house in La Grande but spent much of the next 15 years splitting their time between Oregon and Haines, Alaska before returning to La Grande for the remainder of their lives.

Louise was an accomplished seamstress. She sewed professionally and was sought out by many to do a variety of projects ranging from wedding dresses and cheerleading outfits to simple alterations.  She also taught sewing for the 4-H club and was a member of the Eagles Auxiliary. She absolutely loved playing cards and was a very lucky gambler! Louise thoroughly enjoyed her Iowa family reunions and spent hours on end playing cards with her siblings.

Louise is survived by her children, Karen Wells of Vancouver, Washington, Debbie Schlosser (Dick) of Oregon City, Kenneth Wells (Michelle) of Nampa, Idaho, Lisa Coughlan (Mike) of Imbler, ten grandchildren, 11 great grandchildren, two sisters Lucy Clark of Altoona, Iowa, and Patsy Radtke of Randolph, Wisconsin and too many other family members and friends to count. She lived a wonderful life.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband in 2011, three sisters and five brothers.

Friends who wish may make contributions in memory of Louise Wells to the charity of their choice.

Condolences may be left online at www.danielsknopp.com