Joseph H. Wessels

WESSELS, Mr. Joseph H.
Kalamazoo, Michigan Joseph Henry Wessels passed on April 12, 2008 at home surrounded by his loving and supportive family. "Joe" as he was known to family and friends will be missed for his exuberance and love of life. He truly touched many lives with his spirit and philosophy of how to live one's life to its fullest. Joe was born on March 10th, 1924 in Grand Haven, Michigan to the late Joseph and Emma Bethke Wessels. Joe was a proud veteran of the United States Army, serving as one of the Brave Rifles in General George Patton's Third Army 1943-1945 during the historical World War II. Joe also boxed during his military career and took home many trophies in the ring. On May 21st, 1948 Joe married the "love of his life" Dorothy Street and considered their union the greatest blessing in his life. They are the proud parents of three children. Surviving with Dorothy are children Janet Mark Bond of Plainwell, MI., Joe Charlotte Wessels of Port St. Lucie, Fl., and Steve Jeanette Wessels of Kalamazoo. Also surviving are 9 grandchildren; a great grandchild; and several loving nieces and nephews. Preceding Joe in death were his parents and sister, Joy Sereno. Joe graduated with honors in 1955 with a B.A. in business management from Wayne State University and shortly after joined Brooks and Perkins managing the purchasing department for 10 years. Moving forward in his career, Joe worked for Ford Motor Company in the sales, promotion, and training department until moving his family to Kalamazoo to become a managing partner at Depatie Fluid Power Company, where he worked until retiring in 1990. Wanting to be of service to others, in 1991 Joe became an avid volunteer for Hospice in Kalamazoo and Florida. For twelve years Joe enjoyed serving others and said that he received more than he thought he could ever give in return. In the spring of 2007, Joe became a published author with his autobiography "Somebody's
Watching Over Me: My Incredibly Blessed Life". Joe lived his life based on three principles 1. Take care of yourself so you can take care of others 2. Don't hurt yourself and don't hurt others 3. Use every experience to enhance growth. His spirit continues but he will be missed by his family and friends.
Joe's message to all would be that as we travel down life's road, he would want you to know to sow the seeds of love and forgiveness wherever you go. His journey is not over, it is only to be continued. A memorial service will be held 1 o'clock Thursday at St. Luke's Episcopal Church, 247 West Lowell with Pastor John Scott officiating. Friends may visit with the family
From 2-4 and 6-8pm Tuesday at the Langeland Family Funeral Home, Westside Chapel 3926 South 9th Street. Private interment will be in Ft. Custer National Cemetery with full military honors. In celebration of Joe's life, memorial contributions can be directed to Hospice Care of Southwest Michigan.