Kendra Leann Wessell

Kendra Leann Wessell, 45, of Coffeen, Illinois, passed away at 4:49 a.m. on July 9, 2025, at St. John’s Hospital in Springfield, Illinois. Cremation rites have been chosen in accordance with her wishes. The family will be hosting a Celebration of Life for Kendra on Friday, July 18, 2025, from 1-4 p.m., at the East Fork Township Community Center, 500 South Prospect Street, Coffeen, Illinois, 62017. There will be a short memorial prayer service at 3 pm by Rev. Gene Dunkley of the Free Methodist Church. Her family has entrusted Dean Funeral Home of Hillsboro, Illinois, to make her arrangements.

Born January 19, 1980, in Denver, Colorado, to Allen Wayne Wessell and Sandra Lee Cosgrove, she spent her life in Coffeen and the surrounding areas. Kendra attended Hillsboro High School and then later pursued a license in Massage Therapy. Though she faced many medical challenges throughout her life, she never let them define her or slow her down. Over the years, she held a variety of jobs, always willing to lend a hand or try something new.

A true social butterfly, she had a gift for connecting with people and never met a stranger. She loved organizing events and get-togethers for her friends and family. She had a big heart, a bold laugh and an infectious smile. Though she was stubborn in the best of ways, she was kind, generous and had a bright spirit. Kendra loved to give gifts just to make others feel special and always had something special for the kids.

She found joy in the simple things- cruising down the road in her side-by-side with her beloved dog Nova riding shotgun, finding shapes in the clouds, and mushroom hunting, especially, because it reminded her of moments spent with her dad. She had a vivid imagination and was creative and crafty, often making beautiful net wreaths and melted crayon art. She collected Smurfs and Gnomes and had a sentimental streak, cherishing memories and keepsakes of the people she loved the most.

Preceding her in death are her father, Allen Wessell; grandparents, Arthur C. and Shiloh I. (Yoho) Wessell; uncle, Kammy Dean Wessell; best friend Breezy Romero; beloved dog companion Bosco.

Kendra is survived by her step-mother, Linda Alexander of Coffeen; mother, Sandra (Larry) Polfer of Kansas; brother, Ethan Wessell; sister, Jodi Cosgrove; uncles, Robert (Vonna) Wessell of Coffeen, Kevin and Mark Cosgrove; aunt, Patty Petcher; niece, Katie Cosgrove; nephew, Kevin Cosgrove; cousins, Adam Wessell of Coffeen, Kerri Miller of Nokomis, Katie McAlpine of Decatur, and John Michael Petcher.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to: The Family of Kendra Wessell, c/o Robert Wessell, PO Box G, Hillsboro, Illinois, 62049.

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