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Smits-Steger Memorial Chapel - Steger

3045 Chicago Rd

Steger, Illinois

Kenneth Wessler Obituary

Kenneth "Ken" G. Wessler, age 76, of Grant Park, IL, passed peacefully on September 28, 2020. Beloved husband of Donna Wessler. Proud father of Brett Wessler. Dear brother of the late William (Barbara) Wessler. Dear uncle of Sarah and Seth Wessler. Ken served in the United States Marines during the Vietnam War. Ken owned and operated the former Ken's Silver Shears in Sauk Village for 30 years, and for the past 20 years Centre Barber Shop in Steger. He will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved him.

Visitation to be held Sunday, October 4, 2020 from 2:00 – 7:00 p.m. at Smits-Steger Memorial Chapel, 3045 Chicago Rd. Steger, IL 60475. Funeral Service to be held Monday, October 5, 2020 at 10:00 a.m. at Smits-Steger Memorial Chapel. Interment at Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery - Elwood, IL. For more information, or to leave a message of condolence for his family, please visit our online guestbook at www.SMITSFH.com or call 708-755-6100.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by SouthtownStar on Oct. 1, 2020.

Memories and Condolences
for Kenneth Wessler

Not sure what to say?





Mark Becker

October 19, 2024

Ken was a great barber i will miss him?!!!! mark becker

Myron Boyajian

November 4, 2020

To say Ken was an excellent barber is only a tiny way to describe Ken. He was a valued community member, an upright guy who served his country, and although I knew Ken from my place as a steady customer for decades, he was a guy you would be glad to call, “friend,” the highest compliment I can offer at this sad time. Blessings and peace to his family.

Darren Panczuk

October 31, 2020

I grew up in Sauk Village where my dad took me many times to Ken to get my hair cut. My father-in-law (John Dennis) was also a longtime customer of Ken’s and years later took my son Ryan for a few haircuts at Ken’s, even though we had since moved to Crown Point, IN. Ken will be sorely missed, but good memories to keep him in our thoughts. RIP

Mark Vosecky <br />First Haircut<br />1971

Fred Vosecky

October 12, 2020

Jim Faletti

October 5, 2020

Thank you for the good natured and jovial approach to life. I always enjoyed being at the barber shop. Ken will be very much missed.

Judy Vosecky

October 5, 2020

Thanks for the memories. From vacations to the Lazy H in Colorado, Neil Diamond concerts, rodeos, state fairs, pizzas on Tuesdays, Aggravation, The Godfather, Blackhawks gamed and Jesus Christ Superstar.

Helen Qualls

October 4, 2020

My deepest sympathy to Ken's family. He was a good friend to my husband and I last saw him a couple
years ago at a wake. RIP Ken

Marilyn and Bob Crivokapich

October 4, 2020

We miss you both at the barber shop and at balmoral. We miss your bad jokes. Only kidding you know. You will be missed by many. See you in heaven.

The brightest man in the room!

April Bell

October 4, 2020

There are not enough words in the English language for me to describe my dear friend Kenny. I will miss you every day for all of my days. Kenny was a staple in our family, attended every event. Always had a smile, joke, and kind word. The statement that God takes his best soldiers is so true because Kenny was an angel on earth. He will be missed by so many. I will miss him coming into my job with a joke and a smile to make my day. I love you Kenny more then words could ever say. I am sending you the biggest Hershey kiss right now! Rest easy my friend....Love always, April

Mike Laurie

October 4, 2020

Best guy with the worst jokes. :)
Thank you for your service, both military and professional.

John and Linda Peters

October 3, 2020

Ken was a one of a kind. From a great barber to a savvy poker player.
Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family. He will be greatly missed.

Janice Mink

October 3, 2020

So sorry to learn of another old and good friend from the days when he had his shop in Riverdale. My heart goes out to his family and I thank him also for his service to our country. May he rest in peace.

Fred Vosecky

October 2, 2020

Fred Vosecky

October 2, 2020

Fred Vosecky

October 2, 2020

Fred Vosecky

October 2, 2020

Fred Vosecky

October 2, 2020

Fred Vosecky

October 2, 2020

Fred Vosecky

October 2, 2020

From Bus rides from 63rd to LHS, Shop class, Playing Aggravation game and Aurelios at your house. Colorado ranch three time. He beat me in the Barrels. He has been cutting my hair for more then 40 years. I will miss my friend. May God hold Donna and Brett in his hands. Some memories attached.

Joe Schimmel

October 1, 2020

Ken cut my hair most of my childhood as well as my two brothers and Dad. You could always count on his smile, a joke or a horse racing story. Each time I hear the sound of clippers being turned on I think about those times getting my hair at Silver Shears in the Village. RIP Ken. Thanks for the Bazooka gum which was always the highlight of a haircut for a kid in the 70’s and 80’s. Thanks the Schimmel Family.

My Bud

JR Haase

October 1, 2020

You have touched so many lives my friend. I’m grateful that one of those was mine. I will never forget it. Gonna miss the phone call for the latest joke, checking up on life with the families. Most important just to hear your Voice if I am up and bright eyed and bushy tailed!!!

Love ya more then words could say

J

The Pickering and White Family

September 30, 2020

Absolutely fantastic human being !!! We have known Ken for almost 20 years he was my buddy....His smile would light up the whole room when I walked in the door with the boys for their haircuts ♂ ... when I ran into him at the racetrack he would always stop and say hello !!! He always had amazing stories and jokes to tell ! He always made you feel wonderful when you left !! This world lost a wonderful man Ken Wessler you will be greatly missed ....until we meet again

Denise Almonte

September 30, 2020

For the family, extended family and many friends, blessing for your comfort in memories- His jokes, his impressions --- HoHoHo--- I bet he was a great Santa,, will greatly be missed. Enjoy the food Ken, ya foodie,,,
Love and Peace denise

Barbara Wessler

September 30, 2020

God’s peace, comfort, and blessings to Donna, Brett, family and friends.
Our Prayers and thoughts are with you.
Sincerest Sympathy
Barbara, Seth, Sarah

Rose Cameo

September 30, 2020

I have known Ken for about 20 yrs. & like Ken, I owned my own barber shop in Glenwood for over 25 yrs.
Barbers tend to regularly keep in touch, and so that was about the extent of my “ knowing” Ken.
Close to 2 yrs ago, as life would have it, Ken needed a barber, and I wanted to ‘slow down’ a bit. And...as life and the Lord would have it, I came to Centre Barber Shop in Steger.
It was only than that I had the wonderful opportunity to really get to know Ken Wessler!

The transition for me was a difficult one. I was owner of my own barber shop, to just being of the ‘guys’ at his shop.
Ken made me feel so welcomed and comfortable, a trait, I so admired in him.

I had the privilege of seeing that quality, 1st hand, many times. He was just that kind of guy.
The quips, the “names that tune” kinda days..
His “ how are things up north” to me,(I was at the last chair) all in an effort to make me feel comfortable. That’s the kind of things he would do..for me.

The shop hadn’t been the same without Ken being here, but we all had the hope that he’d be back at the helm again, one day.

Words cannot adequately express the kind of man Ken really was.
Kind, generous, thoughtful, sensitive, funny & caring are just a few.
I will miss Ken... but I can rest in this absolute truth, that I may no longer see him here.. but I will see him there.
Now it’s my turn to say back to Ken, “ how’s things up there? ” I can only imagine

John Nassios

September 30, 2020

Sorry to lose such a great guy. I first met Ken in his Sauk Village Barbershop back in the 70’s. He found out I detailed cars and I used work on his 2 beautiful VW Karmann Ghias on a regular basis in exchange for haircuts (one car had an airbrushed devil head on the hood!). Always a friendly smile and a quick wit.

Jack Dromgold

September 30, 2020

My deepest sympathy to Donna and the family at the passing of Ken. At our last reunion, Ken told me that I needed to change my hair style. He said, Jack, you have had the same look since high school. Only Ken would point that one out.
A very speical person. He will be missed.

Joyce Vogel

September 30, 2020

So sorry for your loss he was a great guy everybody loved him

George Ferenzi

September 29, 2020

Ken was a client, friend, and my barber for over 25 years. Always happy always had a smile and always had a joke or two or three to get a good laugh. We went to many lunches and dinners. A good human being.
Rest in Peace my friend till we meet again.

Chuck Letko

September 29, 2020

Ken always made me feel very welcome. He always had great stories and told dad-jokes & even some good jokes. Always an "experience" going to the Center barber Shop in Steger, a very good experience. He will certainly be missed and my wife's & my good thoughts are with you all.

Bill Wheeler

September 29, 2020

I am 50 years old and Ken was my first haircut as a boy and many years later, he gave my son (24) his first haircut. When my father was battling his illness and became bed ridden, Ken would drive to my Dads house and cut his hair at home. Ken was as genuine as they come and we appreciated his friendship over the years. Ken will be sorely missed. #RIP

Jerrie Roulo-Carrasco

September 29, 2020

The greatest and funniest barber I’ve known. Fly high with the angels
My condolences to the family and friends.

Sandy (Braasch) Starr

September 29, 2020

Always sharing laughs and funny stories! One of a kind and will be missed by many from the Class of '61.
Inside joke with "Running Bear"/White Dove" God's blessings to Donna and Brett! We share your sorrow.

Judy Kempen

September 29, 2020

What a loss! Such a great guy. Always ready with a smile or a funny story. Gregarious and outgoing classmate who will be sadly missed by all those from LHS class of 61. Sharing your sorrow!

Showing 1 - 34 of 34 results

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Memorial Events
for Kenneth Wessler

Oct

4

Visitation

2:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

Smits-Steger Memorial Chapel - Steger

3045 Chicago Rd, Steger, IL 60475

Oct

5

Funeral service

10:00 a.m.

Smits-Steger Memorial Chapel - Steger

3045 Chicago Rd, Steger, IL 60475

Funeral services provided by:

Smits-Steger Memorial Chapel - Steger

3045 Chicago Rd, Steger, IL 60475

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