Wendell graduated from Appleton City High School in 1959. Following high school, he served in the United States Marine Corp while stationed in San Diego, CA. Wendell was employed for a time at Maxwell Highway Super Market, then worked at the MoDOT Project Office for several years. A farmer at heart and a steward of the land, Wendell actively engaged in full time farming in1976 and continued to farm and grow crops until his retirement in the fall 2025 at the age of 84. In his early years, he enjoyed bird hunting and deer hunting, as well as other outdoor sport hunting. His greatest joy in life was spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Wendell was member of the First Baptist Church in Nevada.
Survivors include his son Mark Alan Lee (Thersea Michelle), Nevada; two grandchildren, Kevin Lee (Katelyn), Basehor, KS, and Scott Alan Lee (Emily), Deerfield, MO; four great-grandchildren, Rhett, Hazel, Carson, and Corynn; a brother, Dale A. Lee (Linda) of Moundville, MO; and a niece, Michelle Monnig, Liberty, MO. He was preceded in death by his parents, and a sister, Beverly Oelsen.
The family will receive friends from 10-11:00 a.m. on Thursday, July 23, 2026, at Ferry Funeral Home in Nevada. Graveside services will follow in Newton Burial Park (11:00 a.m.) with Dr. Kevin Daugherty officiating.
Memorials are suggested in his name to St. Jude Children’s Hospital c/o Ferry Funeral Home.
In 1944, she married Joe Kraft at All Saints' Episcopal Church in Nevada. She had three children, Clint Kraft (Janet), Olathe, KS., Sally Kraft Sandy, (Frank), Eureka, MO., and Paula Kraft Neal, Tontitown, AR. She had six grandchildren, Lindsey Petersen (Grahm), Adam Sandy (Tomoko), Laura Weber (Scott), Sarah Jewell (Brian), Amy Neal and Clint Neal (Nicole). Her ten great-grandchildren, Rosemary and Ozzy Petersen, Anya and Kira Sandy, Josephine and Benjamin Weber, Luke and Jackson Jewell and Cole and Lia Neal brought constant joy to Dorothy.
Joe and Dorothy married in 1944, just one year after Joe enlisted. Dorothy was in Nevada and wanted to do her part for the war effort as well. To that end she worked in the Pittsburg Bomb making facility. She shared many stories with the family about the girls on the line who were less than careful with the materials, which endangered the workers’ lives.
After the war Dorothy worked at the family business, Henry Kraft Mercantile and later worked at Cottey College. She was active in the wider Nevada community helping Joe in every way possible, especially in establishing the Village Market and renovating seven buildings in East Nevada. It is safe to say that whatever community awards Joe received, Dorothy was right by his side helping polish ideas and edit speeches. Dorothy was a major supporter of the Bushwhacker Museum. She worked tirelessly from its inception and was a major contributor to the move to its current location.
Having been initiated in 1943, Dorothy was a member of P.E.O. for 84 years. She served as President of Chapter DW three times and opened her home as a P.E.O. B&B for Cottey parents. In addition, she baked birthday cakes for Cottey girls to help celebrate their special days. All in all, she was a tireless worker for and supporter of P.E.O. and Cottey College.
Dorothy was a lifelong and faithful member of All Saints' Episcopal Church. She sang in the choir for many years and helped oversee the building project from the old Parish Hall and Rectory to the buildings standing today.
The family would like to express their heartfelt thanks to Lisa Ann Reed, Christi Crow and Sheila Bullock, Dorothy’s caregivers of many years. Their love and support for both Dorothy and her family were beyond measure.
The family suggests memorials be sent to All Saints' Episcopal Church, 425 E Cherry St, Nevada, MO 64772 or Cottey College, 1000 W. Austin Blvd, Nevada, MO 64772.
Memorial services will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, September 12th, 2026, at All Saints’ Episcopal Church in Nevada.
BOIL ORDER ADVISORY
Effectively Immediately
The City of Adrian has issued a Boil Water Advisory for all customers.
Late last night, the city's chlorine system stopped adding the appropriate amount of chlorine to the treated water. Chlorine levels should be at .5 milligrams per liter when leaving the plant. That level fell to .47 milligrmas per liter. This issue has been identified and corrected.
What should you do?
Until the order has been lifted:
Bring all water to a roling boil ofr at least three (3) minutes before:
Drinking, making ice, brushing teeth, Preparing food or infant formula, washing fruits and vegetables, giving water to pets.
The advisory will remain in effect for 24 hours from the time of this notice.
Any questions, please call City Hall at 816-297-2659.
