Sarena Wendel, 95, Fargo, ND, passed away Tuesday, May 7, 2013 at Essentia Health, Fargo.

Sarena L. Gossell was born December 10, 1917 to Carl and Bertha (Venske) Gossell at Bertha, MN. She was baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran church – Missouri Synod, and graduated from high school at Bertha in 1935.

Sarena and Reinhold “Reinie” Wendel were married September 29, 1936. They lived in Bertha until they moved to Fargo in 1942. She was employed as a manager at the Gold Bond Gift Center and Stop-N-Go stores. She worked as a cosmetician at several drug stores, retiring in 1980 from Johnson Southside Drug.

Sarena had various interests, including making quilts for World Relief and lap robes with the Mission Workers of Grace Lutheran Church. She also made about 2000 “Kathy Kaps” for ladies who lost their hair due to cancer, and altar linens and baptismal napkins for Grace Church. Her hobbies were crafts, crocheting with yarn, crossword puzzles, and reading.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Reinie, in 1972; son, Dean Wendel; parents; brother, Melvin Gossell; and sister, Elaine Larson.

Sarena is survived by her two sons, Lowell (Janice) Wendel, Grand Forks, ND; Gary (Bonnie) Wendel, Williston, ND; daughter-in-law, Sandy Wendel, Fargo, ND; 10 granddaughters; 1 grandson; 29 great-grandchildren; 3 great-great-grandchildren; sister-in-law, Elverna Gossell; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.