Adrian J. Wessel

Adrian J. Wessel, 79, Topeka, passed away Sun., April 20, 2008, at Stormont Vail Hospital. Adrian was born Oct. 2, 1928 near Centralia KS to Barney and Rose (Osterhaus) Wessel, one of 13 children. He attended a one-room school in Nemaha County and later attended Baileyville School. He served in the Army from 1946 to 1948 and then joined the Air Force through 1951. Adrian was employed at Topeka Supply Depot then operated Oakland Standard Oil Station with his brother, Bernie. In 1964 he was hired as assistant manager at JC Penney Automotive Center. He worked there until they closed in 1983, then employed by Essex Wire until his retirement in 1991. He was a 50-year member of the Knights of Columbus and a member of Most Pure Heart of Mary Catholic Church. He was a kind, loving husband, Dad, Grandpa and a topnotch mechanic. He married Ann B. Stuke at St. James Church, Wetmore KS on Sept. 9, 1953. She survives. Adrian is also survived by his eight children, Carolyn Schroeder (Dale), Duluth MN, Joyce Henry (Chuck), Kansas City KS, Allan Wessel (Marianne), Topeka, Janice Short (Steve), Auburn, Brian Wessel, Topeka, Connie Marcy, Topeka, Ron Wessel, Auburn and Denise Bigham (Bryon), Hiawatha; 16 grandchildren and one great-grandchild; brothers, Elmer, Bernie, Paul and Galen Wessel; and sisters, Lorena Koch and Rosie Morris. Adrian was preceded in death by four sisters and two brothers and his grandson, Luke Short. Family will greet friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Wed. at Most Pure Heart of Mary Church where a parish rosary will be prayed at 7 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Thurs. at the Church. Burial will follow at Mt. Calvary Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Most Pure Heart of Mary Church sent in care of Kevin Brennan Family Funeral Home, 2801 SW Urish Rd, Topeka KS 66614. Online condolences may be sent to www.kevinbrennanfamily.com. Adrian Wessel