Kenneth H. Wessel

Kenneth Henry Wessel was born on May 8, 1935, and passed away on May 22, 2012, at the age of 77, after a brief battle with ALS and complications following surgery. He passed away peacefully in the hospital with his family at his side. Ken was born in Cape Girardeau, MO, and grew up on a dairy farm in Gordonville with his parents, Henry and Sophie Wessel, and siblings, Genie, Paul, Norma, Susie and Gladys. He began his education in a one-room school in his hometown, followed by four years at Jackson High School, where he was elected the “Big Chief,” then graduated with a B.S. from Southeast Missouri State University, where he majored in Chemistry and Zoology and was the president of the Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity. He worked full-time as a hospital orderly to pay his way through pre-med and played semi-pro baseball. He was the beloved husband of Sandi for over 55 years. Ken will forever be remembered by his children: Leslie (Wayne) Shortt, Marc (Sharon) Wessel, Tracy (Dale) Bailey, Karyn (Chris) Todd, and Gretchen (Steve Kucinski) Wessel; along with his grandchildren, Erin, Amber, Elise, Courtney, Ashley, Chelsea, Cassie, Drew, Taylor, Brooke, Austin, Grant and Chase; and great-grandchildren, Emery, Hannah and Halle; along with countless other friends and family who were blessed to know him. He began his career in St. Louis, after being recruited by Procter and Gamble, where he worked as an Industrial Engineer and Manufacturing Brand Manager for 21 years in St. Louis, Chicago, Lima, and Cincinnati, and was a member of the P&G Lima plant start-up team. He worked as a Vice President for Sara Lee (Kahn’s Meats) for 3 years, followed by nearly 30 years as an international Organization Design and Leadership Development Consultant. Ken touched the lives of many people with his warm and infectious smile, positive and friendly nature, was the “go to” man for advice, had an amazing work ethic, and above all, loved spending time with his family. Ken lived his life in a way that his children, their spouses, and nearly everyone who knew him will continue to aspire to. Memorial donations may be made to the ALS Association Central & Southern Ohio Chapter, 1170 Old Henderson Road, Suite 221, Columbus, Ohio 43220.