BROWNSTOWN
Wilbert Henry Wessel, Jr., age 93, of Brownstown, passed away on Thursday morning, August 3, 2023, at Schneck Medical Center, Seymour, surrounded by his loving family.
Mr. Wessel was a member of St. Peter’s Lutheran Church, Brownstown, since 1954, where he served as Trustee, Elder, and Financial Secretary. He also served on the Cemetery Board at the church.
Junior served in the United States Army during the Korean War.
Mr. Wessel was employed with Morgan Packing Company, and in 1992 he became the sole owner of Brownstown Hardware, where he worked for more than 70 years. He was still working part-time prior to his death.
He was a volunteer with the Brownstown Fire Department, where he served as chief for several years. He was also a past member of Hickory Hills golf course, men’s softball league of Brownstown, parade marshal for the watermelon festival, and he participated in activities at the Sesquicentennial Festival.
Junior loved and adored his family, and he shared his love and commitment to them. He was a dedicated caretaker to his wife, Donna, for many years after she became blind. He, in turn, was loved beyond measure by his wife, children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.
He enjoyed attending family sporting events, making apple cider, and making homemade ice cream with his family. He also enjoyed gardening, woodworking, fixing things, being outdoors at the hill, chair caning, going to stil board matches, and being a tomahawk thrower at festivals.
Born on March 1, 1930, at his home in Tampico, he was the son of Wilbert Henry, Sr., and Viola Steinkamp Wessel, both of whom preceded him in death. On June 21, 1953, at St. Paul Lutheran Church, Wegan, he married Donna Mae Meahl, and she survives in Brownstown.
Survivors also include three daughters: Jo Gail (Mike) Ross of Brownstown, Kim Loree (Bob) Lucas of Brownstown, and Dena Lyn (Ronald) Hutchinson of Vallonia; four brothers: Lelard Wessel, Kelso (Judy) Wessel, William Wessel, and Ivan (Shirley) Wessel; three sisters: Violet (Robert) Wischmeier, Audra (Mike) Deaton, and Opal (Ronald) Roark; six grandchildren: Michael Brant Ross, Shawn (Tammi) Ross, Karra (Cody) Hercamp, Stacie (Josh) Teipen, Jesse (Kristy) Hutchinson, and Tessa (Brad) Ray; ten great-grandchildren: Mason Ross, Maddox Ross, Josie Ross, Cooper Teipen, Isaac Hutchinson, Eli Hutchinson, Ian Hutchinson, Owen Hutchinson, Remington Ray, and McCoy Ray; and several nieces and nephews.
Junior was also preceded in death by four brothers: Kenneth Wessel, Debron Wessel, Edward Wessel, and Walter R. Wessel; one sister, Rosa Nell; and sisters-in-law: Eunice Wessel, Juanita Wessel, Bernice Wessel, Mary Lou Wessel, and Wilma Wessel.
Funeral services for Wilbert Henry Wessel, Jr. will be conducted at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, August 8, 2023, at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church, Brownstown, with Pastor Ryan Schneider officiating. Friends may call from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Monday, August 7, 2023, at Spurgeon Funeral Home, Inc., Brownstown, and from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the service at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, August 8, 2023, at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church, Brownstown.
Interment will be at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church Cemetery, Brownstown.
Military honors will be presented by Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1925, American Legion Post 89, Disabled American Veterans 47, and Vietnam Vets 7.
Memorials may be given to St. Peter’s Lutheran Church trustee projects or St. Peter’s Lutheran Church Cemetery Fund, Brownstown.
All funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the caring staff at Spurgeon Funeral Home, Inc.
Online memorials and condolences may be given at www.spurgeonfh.com