November 30, -0001 - May 22, 2012
Kenneth Henry Wessel was born on May 8, 1935, and passed away on May 22, 2012, at the age of 77, after a brief battle with ALS and complications following surgery. He passed away peacefully in the hospital with his family at his side. Ken was born in Cape Girardeau, MO, and grew up on a dairy farm in Gordonville with his parents, Henry and Sophie Wessel, and siblings, Genie, Paul, Norma, Susie and Gladys. He began his education in a one-room school in his hometown, followed by four years at Jackson High School, where he was elected the “Big Chief,†then graduated with a B.S. from Southeast Missouri State University, where he majored in Chemistry and Zoology and was the president of the Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity. He worked full-time as a hospital orderly to pay his way through pre-med and played semi-pro baseball. He was the beloved husband of Sandi for over 55 years. Ken will forever be remembered by his children: Leslie (Wayne) Shortt, Marc (Sharon) Wessel, Tracy (Dale) Bailey, Karyn (Chris) Todd, and Gretchen (Steve Kucinski) Wessel; along with his grandchildren, Erin, Amber, Elise, Courtney, Ashley, Chelsea, Cassie, Drew, Taylor, Brooke, Austin, Grant and Chase; and great-grandchildren, Emery, Hannah and Halle; along with countless other friends and family who were blessed to know him. He began his career in St. Louis, after being recruited by Procter and Gamble, where he worked as an Industrial Engineer and Manufacturing Brand Manager for 21 years in St. Louis, Chicago, Lima, and Cincinnati, and was a member of the P&G Lima plant start-up team. He worked as a Vice President for Sara Lee (Kahn’s Meats) for 3 years, followed by nearly 30 years as an international Organization Design and Leadership Development Consultant. Ken touched the lives of many people with his warm and infectious smile, positive and friendly nature, was the “go to†man for advice, had an amazing work ethic, and above all, loved spending time with his family. Ken lived his life in a way that his children, their spouses, and nearly everyone who knew him will continue to aspire to. Memorial donations may be made to the ALS Association Central & Southern Ohio Chapter, 1170 Old Henderson Road, Suite 221, Columbus, Ohio 43220.
Condolences
Hi Sandi and childres…we met you maybe 10 years ago over at the lake…I am Kenny’s cousin from the country…
…was truly sorrowed and shocked to learn of his untimely passing last night…from another cousin, Betty Lou (Grossheider) Carlson…
…Ken was a great guy and I know you miss him terribly…time flys and we finally realize the our time on this planet is indeed numbered..as we grow older and things start to fail we begin to realize that our time is about up…but it still comes as a sad event to those around us who are left, and indeed an unfillable hole in their lives…no way to prepare for this event…but time will eventually reach our expiration date and we will again be with our departed loved ones…
Bless you all and peace! our love, Don & Jane Johnsen…many fond memories of times with Kenny when we were kids!
We’re thinking of all of you and our hearts and prayers go out to you all.
Love,
Rick and Lienne
Kirsten and Lindsey
You were quite an amazing man with such a sweet heart and warm smile! I feel honored to have met you and your incredible family. Prayers for comfort, strength, and peace to the entire family.
Grandpa you were an amazing man and I am so lucky to have been your granddaughter.
Grandma I am so sorry for your loss, I wish I could be there to give you a big hug. You are in my prayers and I love you very much.
My deepest condolences in your loss. The world has lost a shining light, a beacon of wisdom, housed in a cheerful soul who found greatness in everyone he met. I do hope that your loss is assuaged by the significance of how Ken lived his life, and the many, many lives he blessed.
I have missed talking to him in the recent years. I will now miss his amazing encouragement and insight until… I will also hold even more dear all that I learned with his guidance and insight.
He made a difference.
I was so sad to hear this news about Ken. He was a great mentor and friend for many years. I met him when I was with Conoco in Bryan, Texas. My thoughts and prayers are with you, his friends and family at your time of loss…may your grief be short and your memories long.
Sandy,
Our condolences to you and the Family with very warm memories.
God’s Blessings and Comfort to you all.
Leon & Francie
Sandy,
Our condolences to you and the Family with very warm memories.
God’s Blessings and Comfort to you all.
Leon & Francie
You are and always were the love of my life …..
Sandy, I just heard about the loss of my friend. Ken was a close advisor for my company and for that I will be forever grateful. Ken was so smart but always was such a pleasant person. He will be missed. Please accept our condolences and don’t hesitate to call if you need anything. Bill Standish 5133007385
Our thoughts and prayers go out to you at this time of loss.
Kenny will be greatly missed by so many. He has touched many lives and will live on through them and all our family.
Take comfort , knowing he is at peace and with the Lord, free of pain and suffering.
Call on us if we can be of any help. Love,
Georgia and John Wessel
I was so sorry to hear of Ken’s death. He was a wonderful friend and mentor both while working with him in our DuPont work and afterward.
I can’t begin to describe how much I valued him as a role model in our efforts to help individuals and organizations.
I know the family will miss him as so many of us who worked with him will.
We will keep your family in our prayers.
Sincerely,
George