Ingrid Margot Fessler-Wellnitz

Ingrid was born on August 15, 1931, in Bremen, Germany, to Wilhelm and Charlotte Dullweber. She grew up alongside her two sisters, Christa and Karin. In April 1952, at the age of 21, Ingrid set sail aboard the USS America to the United States in search of new opportunities. She settled in Sheboygan, Wisconsin, where she quickly found work as a laboratory technician at a local hospital.

It was there that she met her future husband, Dr. Francis William Fessler, who was completing his residency. The couple moved to Arizona and were married in August 1953. Together they welcomed two children: Heidi (born 1955) and Steve (born 1957).

In the early 1960s, Ingrid and Frank moved their family to Reedley, California, where they raised their children and built a full and active life. Ingrid had a deep love of travel and later became co-owner of Golden Valley Travel, a business that reflected both her curiosity about the world and her joy in connecting people with new experiences. She eventually sold her interest in the business.

Frank preceded Ingrid in death in 1989. Ingrid later found companionship again and married Werner Wellnitz of Jever, Germany (1925–2008). In her later years, she moved to Fresno, California, to be closer to her family.

Ingrid is survived by her daughter, Heidi Fessler; her son, Steve Fessler (Linda); her grandchildren, Michael Fessler (Carly), Kaitlyn Fessler, and Danielle Hinds (Eric); her great-granddaughter Emery Fessler; as well as her niece, Brigitte Green, and nephew, Derek Simmross. She will be remembered for her resilience, warmth, love of family, and adventurous spirit that carried her across continents and through a rich and meaningful life.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, February 21, 2026 at the Fessler’s home at 3:00 pm. Contact the family for more information.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Ingrid’s honor to the Alzheimer’s Association