Gerald D. Wessel

1937 - 2024

Gerald D. Wessel
Born: September 11, 1937 in Secor, IL
Died: May 26, 2024 in Romeoville, IL
Gerald D. Wessel age 86 was born on September 11, 1937, in Secor, IL. He passed away on Sunday, May 26, 2024, at StoryPoint Romeoville, IL. Gerald is survived by his two sons: Steven (Lesley), Mark (Michele); two grandsons: Nicholas and Alexander: four granddaughters: Hannah, Taylor, Holly, and Kelsey. He is also survived by eight nephews and one niece. Gerald was preceded in death by his wife, Judith (nee Schahl) Wessel; parents, Carl & Elsa Wessel; brothers, LeRoy, Delmar, & Arlo; sisters, Jean, Carol (Aughenbaugh), & Onetta (Weeks). Gerald was an active member of St. Paul Lutheran Church of Lockport. While a member, he served terms as vice president and was a member of the board of trustees. Gerald grew up in Secor, IL. His grade school years were in Secor and El Paso, Illinois. He graduated from El Paso High School (1955), Illinois State University BS, (1963), and Northern Illinois University MS, (1969). After graduating from high school, he enlisted in the US Navy. Upon completion of boot camp and communication schools, he served tours of duty on Guam island (22 months) and at Bremerhaven, Germany (one year). In 1963 he began his career as a high school teacher. During his thirty years as a teacher, he held positions at Heyworth High School; Lockport West High School (now Romeoville High School) and Bolingbrook High School. He retired from teaching in 1993. After he retired from teaching, he worked at Big Run Golf Club in Lockport, IL until 2002. At that time, he and his wife, Judy, moved to the Grand Haven retirement community in Romeoville, Illinois. The family will receive friends at Kurtz Memorial Chapel 102 E. Francis Rd, New Lenox, IL on Friday, May 31, 2024, from 3:00 PM to 8:00 PM. He will lie in state at St. Paul Lutheran Church 1500 S. Briggs St. Lockport, IL from 9:00 AM until time of service at 10:00 AM. Interment will be at Mount Vernon Memorial Estates, Lemont, IL. In lieu of flowers, donations to St. Paul Lutheran Church, American Cancer Society, National MS Society, or American Heart Association would be appreciated.