Obituary of Madalynn M. Wessinger

Madalynn M. Wessinger, 98, of Columbia passed away peacefully on December 5, 2022 at the Lexington Community Hospice House.  Born in Grand Rapids, Minnesota, she was the daughter of the late August and Zealous Norris Mergele, longtime residents of Taconite, Minnesota.  Madalynn left Taconite when she was a young adult and moved to Washington, D.C., where she was employed by the U.S. Navy Department during WWII.  There she met her future husband “Red” Wessinger, who was serving in the U.S. Marine Corp and stationed at Quantico, Virginia.

Life in Columbia began in the late 1940’s.  Madalynn was employed by the Department of Housing and Urban Development and retired after 33 years.  She was a member of the Palmetto Health Baptist Auxiliary of Volunteers for 24 years.

Madalynn was a long time member of Christ Lutheran Church and most recently a member of St. Andrews Lutheran Church.

She was an excellent seamstress and enjoyed gardening.  As longtime members of the Palmetto Sandlappers Camping Club, she loved camping with her husband “Red” and her grandchildren.

Madalynn is survived by her daughter, Barbara W. Johnson of West Columbia; sons, Richard H. and Michael A. of Swansea; 6 grandchildren, Suzie (Paul), Brian (Kelley), Kara (Lee), Katie (Josh), Chris and Kyle; 3 great grandchildren, Andrew, Brooke, Rose and 1 great-great grandchild.

She was predeceased by her husband of 57 years, Henry Richard “Red” Wessinger and brothers, Glenn, Dewain, Milton and David.

The family will receive friends at Thompson Funeral Home (845 Leesburg Road, Columbia) on Friday, December 9 from 10:00-11:00.  A graveside service will be held at 11:00 at the Greenlawn Cemetery.