JOE WESSELS, age 94, of Luverne, died Wednesday, September 5, 2012, at his home. He was born June 21, 1918, in Ellsworth, to Jans and Rena (Terhark) Wessels. He attended country school near Ellsworth.
Joe married Christina DeBuhr on January 2, 1942, at the Bethel Reformed Church, near Ellsworth, officiated by Christina's father, Rev. Peter DeBuhr. After their marriage, the couple built a house in Ellsworth. Joe entered the United States Army on February 10, 1942. He served his country during WWII as an Infantry Sargent in the European Theater including the Normandy Invasion on D-Day. After returning from the service, the family moved to the farm north of Ellsworth. In 1954, they began farming northwest of Luverne. In 1994, they retired and moved into Luverne.
He was a member of the First Presbyterian Church in Luverne where he had served as an Elder.  He was a member of the Luverne American Legion, VFW, Lion's Club and the Luverne Farmers Coop Board. He enjoyed farming, traveling, fishing, Minnesota Twins baseball and especially his family.
As we reflect on what was so special about Joe Wessels, so many things come to mind.
Joe was a leader.  But he wasn't the official or showy kind – he was the kind who led by example.
He lived his religion through the practices of his daily life, and by example. Always ready with a warm smile and a hearty handshake, he met and exceeded the expectations of all with whom he came in contact.  He taught us to understand and live in harmony with the ups and downs that are a natural part of life, and to understand how to live within God's plan. And he never took advantage -- he always helped anyone who needed assistance.
Joe was a leader in the way he lived family life, as well.  He was extremely caring and loving, and his love and loyalty to his life partner, Christina, and to his family surpassed anyone's imagination.  With her, he started and grew a family during some of the hardest of economic times, yet did so in ways that gained the respect of all with whom he came in contact.  He always put the needs of his family before his own needs.  He planned and invested wisely for the future, saving to ensure that the members of his family could live full and meaningful lives without the need to rely on others for support.
As a farmer, Joe also was a leader, and he embraced progress and creativity in so many ways!  He studied and promoted new ideas, and he encouraged each of us to try and develop our own new ideas.  Joe was among the first to move beyond the comfort of his family's homestead to find a new place and build his own farm.  In fact, he was among the first in the region to buy and use a combine to improve the yield from his farm.
Joe respected and valued education.  He always was learning.  From early in life, he set goals and saved and made it possible for everyone in the family to improve themselves through education.  And as they grew and explored new directions, he encouraged and supported the new ideas of his family.
Joe Wessels was a wonderful leader -- the quiet kind who led through the simple yet significant acts of daily life.  Each of us will treasure the lessons we've learned, the insights we've gained, and the memories we share.  Each of us knows that our part of the world is a better place thanks to our time with Joe.
Joe is survived by his wife, Christina Wessels, Luverne; three children, Bob (Linda) Wessels, Waikoloa, HI; Barb (Stephen) Kistler-Johnson, Auburn, CA; and Sandra (David) Renz, Overland Park, KS; six grandchildren, Faith (Garth) Smith, Michael Kistler, Robert Kistler, Julia Kistler, Sarah Renz & Christian Renz; and two great grandchildren, Grace & Kingston Smith.
He was preceded in death by his parents; three brothers, Fred, Ralph & Henry Wessels; and a sister, Effie Essman.
Visitation will be from 2-5 pm Sunday at the Dingmann Funeral Home in Luverne. Funeral will be 10:30 am Monday at the First Presbyterian Church, in Luverne, officiated by Rev. Terry Morse. Burial will be in the Garden of Memories Cemetery north of Luverne.
To view an online obituary, sign a virtual register book or order flowers, please visit www.dingmannandsons.com

---