"Dick will truly be missed. When I would see him it was always a guaranteed smile and positive attitude. My thoughts and prayers with your family during this difficult time. Stacey - Sport and Spine Physical Therapy "
In loving memory of
Richard Wessel
April 11, 1940 - March 13, 2020
Richard Alois Wessel, 79 of Rollingstone, died Friday, March 13, 2020 at Mayo Clinic Hospital, Methodist Campus.
Dick was born April 11, 1940 in Winona to Ann (Golt) and Alois Wessel. He graduated from Cotter High School in 1958 and attended Winona State University for Civil Engineering. Dick married Fran Kleinschmidt who preceded him in death; in 1988, he married Elaine (Rustad) Schell.
Dick worked for Kleinschmidt and Weber doing surveying work until beginning a new adventure - CMS (Construction Management Services) and eventually S.E.E. (South Eastern Engineering). Following retirement, Dick enjoyed driving bus for Winona schools and most recently for Lewiston-Altura Schools. He was a current member of the Knights of Columbus and the Winona Elks Lodge.
In his earlier years, Dick enjoyed bowling and traveling; more recently he enjoyed coin collecting, woodworking, watching old western movies and the Hallmark channel. His pride and joy were his family - especially his 5 grandchildren who he loved spending time with by giving golf cart rides, the yearly Wisconsin Dells trip and being a spectator to all their sporting events.
He is survived by his wife, Elaine; children, Kim (Kevin) Ring of Charlotte, NC, Jennifer (Corey) Stephans of Eyota and Terry (Shannon) Schell of Rollingstone; grandchildren, Tarrin & Tyler Stephans and Elliot, Isaac and Easton Schell; and sister, Dianne (Ken) McElmury of Valrico, FL as well as his 1 niece, 2 nephews and their children.
Dick was preceded in death by his first wife, Fran; his parents; and one sister, Susie Wessel.
A gathering of family and friends will take place from 2-4 p.m., Wednesday, March 18, 2020 at Hoff Celebration of Life Center - Goodview.
Please share a memory of Dick, sign his online guestbook and view his video tribute when it becomes available at www.hofffuneral.com.
Tributes
"Elaine..we were so sorry to hear of Dick's passing. Please accept our very deepest sympathy.. God bless! "
"Our sympathies to Dick?s family. We were blessed to have him drive our children to and from school! Prayers to you!"
"Elaine, My deepest sympathy to you and your family upon Dick's passing. May memories and the love of your family bring you comfort at this difficult time. Deb (Chiropractor office)"
"So sorry to hear of Dick's passing & hoped to have visited with he & Denny this year. He was one of my favorite cousins, remembering the summers he & Dianne stayed with their grandma Golt & I at the Wessel grandparents across the street. Catechism in the morning & swimming at the beach in the afternoon. Happy memories - Sorry for not attending his funeral as we are in Texas. Blessings to all! "
"Elaine. So sorry for you & your family to read about Dick?s passing on 03-13. After speaking to you this week I was looking forward to visiting with Dick once given the ok from you to do so. God Bless Ron & Sandy Lande"
"So sad.... Certainly miss our daily visits during bus driving. The Lewiston-Altura drivers are saddened by this news. My prayers and sympathy to all of you. Sue Kieffer, Bus #4"
"We are so sorry, Elaine and family! Our deepest sympathy to you! Maynard and family"