11/9/09 | Print Version

Ella Vessel Ella Vessel, 96, Woodstock, died Monday, Nov. 9, 2009, at Hearthstone Manor, Woodstock.She was born Jan. 15, 1913, in Estonia and grew up on a farm. She and her husband, Harry, immigrated to the United States from Estonia when their country came under Communist rule. She loved living in America and cherished her freedom. She was featured on the front page of the Woodstock Daily Sentinel in 1975 in an article titled "Ella's in love with America." After 23 years of employment, she retired in 1974 from Brown Manufacturing. She enjoyed taking care of her home, growing vegetables and canning and making sauerkraut and Estonian blood sausage. She raised chickens and sheep and also did tailoring in her home.Survivors include nieces and nephews in Estonia and Canada.She was preceded in death by her husband in 1996.Visitation was Nov. 13 at Justen Funeral Home & Crematory, McHenry.The funeral was Nov. 14 at the funeral home, with the Rev. Lisle Kauffman officiating. Interment of cremated remains will be in Estonia. Online condolences can be made at www.justenfh.com.