John Woell

   John James Woell, 97 a lifelong resident of Casselton, ND passed away peacefully on May 9th at Lilac Homes Assisted Living Memory Care in Moorhead under Hospice care.  John had been residing at Maple View Memory Care for the last few years because of advancing dementia, renal disease and became infected with the COVID virus and was transferred to an advanced facility in Moorhead for further treatment where he died. While at Maple View, John received the best of care, and a lot of personalized attention from the entire staff.

   John was born on October 8, 1922 to Henry and Clara (Langer) Woell on their farm near Casselton, ND.  He was diagnosed with polio as a youngster and spent time away from home at a hot springs treatment facility, which he claimed cured his polio.  He attended Casselton Public School and went into farming until 1960 when he started to clear trees, level fields and moved buildings for a living. In 1966 he started working for American Crystal Sugar which continued for 41 more years. While working there, he was again driving a back hoe, which he loved and became a foreman. The friendships he developed with coworkers carried over after retirement and lasted throughout the years.

   After retirement from Crystal Sugar, John kept busy collecting coins, attending auctions and any other activity where he could visit with people. He also enjoyed reading the daily newspaper from front to back, playing cards, watching the Twins games and collecting John Deere antique tractors.

   John married Inez Buchholz (Miller) on July of 1980 and shortly thereafter wanted a special place for his “bride” and they purchased the Grosvenor Mansion in Casselton. Through the marriage John gained 8 stepchildren which he often offered advice and help as was needed.  At family gatherings John would be busy telling endless stories on his accompanying then Sen. Wild Bill Langer around the country as his driver and body guard, and the stories got better every time he told them.

   John is survived by his wife Inez Woell (Miller) of 40 years, 8 stepchildren: Jerry (Cindy) Buchholz, Coleharbor, ND; Jean (Greg) Wilcox, Casselton, ND; JoAnne (Brad) Glarum, Mooreton, ND; Tom Buchholz, Fargo, ND; Denny (Elizabeth Dewald) Buchholz, Casselton, ND; Patricia (Loren) Freiborg, Fargo, ND; Kathy Valdez, DeSoto, Il; Cindie (Dale) Althoff, Mooreton, ND; 21 step grandchildren, 27 step great grandchildren, 1 step great great grandchild, a niece and nephews.

   John was preceded in death by parents Henry and Clara (Langer) Woell, silbings, Mary Audry Parnell, Bill (Justine) Woell, Frank (Margaret) Woell, Joe (Lillian) Woell, and nephews Charles Woell and Bill Woell.

There will be a private graveside service at some later date.

West Funeral Home & Life Tribute Center

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