David L. Wessling

Dave was a great colleague during my years of teaching at TMP-Marian. He was always a gentleman and a scholar, besides having a good sense of humor. We had some good journalism trips to KU with a van full of kids and interesting conversation all the way going and coming back. He didn't care if you were a nobody or a somebody; he was the same with everyone--cordial, friendly, warm, accepting.

Mr. Wessling meant worlds to this ghetto child turned man. One of his lectures to me was that of expecting more of myself. "Greg," He said, "you do not have to under achieve, you're at TMP because you are capable of doing anything that any other kid in the world can do. Expect that of yourself, instead." If I know Mr. wessling he had such a lecture for many of us upstarts at TMP, but he did get my attention, and I still speak of how he influenced me to this day. This man cared above and...

I learned of Dave's passing very recently and am so saddened. As a fellow Mt. Carmel graduate, I have fond memories. We also attended kindergarten together. Once as a punishment, I was required to sit in a cold, dark coat room. I was terrified and cried. When I was allowed to return to the main group, Dave saw my tears and moved near me and with a whisper asked me if I would be his girlfriend. That memory has stayed with me all these years and illustrates what a sensitive and empathetic...

If this is the same David Wessling I knew in St. Louis, I, too, have fond memories of him. I lived on Church Rd down the street from Dave. We attended Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Catholic grade school together. I remember that his mother passed away from multiple sclerosis. I would have known Dave from third thru eighth grade. He was actually my first crush. As I recall he wanted to be a priest. Could this be the same person? My sympathies go out to you, even at this late date.

I was fortunate enough to have Dave as a teacher at TMP. I can still remember vividly the sounds of "The Bells" echoing through the halls. He challenged all of us everyday at TMP and for that I am grateful.

Brian Kaiser
TMP Class of 1986

I was lucky enough to be a student of Mr. Wessling's in 1980 at TMP in Hays Kansas. He taught our English class, and I still recall how he put Dickens' GREAT EXPECTATIONS up on the classroom blackboard as a chart. Every day we would read and as we read the chart got more and more involved as Pip's adventures brought him into contact with more people and relationships. His enthusiasim for that book was exciting, and the whole class actually got excited and interested in the story, wondering...

I just learned of Mr. Wesslings passing. I would like to extend my deepest condolences to all of his loved ones, and let them know that they are in the thoughts and prayers of many.

Mr. Wessling was a wonderful man. He will be missed by all.

Dear Michelle,
I just found out today about your loss. Like so many others, I'm truly saddened. He was the teacher that still stands out from my days at TMP-MHS. We learned to write in his class---the kind of writing most of our peers never learned and put us leaps ahead of others when we went out into the real world. I've always been so very grateful for the what he taught us and how he taught us. He will be missed.